Experts at the Think Change Forum highlighted the urgent need for Odisha, India, to operationalize its bauxite resources to foster industrial growth and reduce import dependency. Currently, India imports approximately 4.5 million tonnes of bauxite annually, incurring a foreign exchange burden of around ₹4,000–5,000 crore (roughly $480–600 million USD). By unlocking its bauxite reserves, Odisha could potentially add ₹18,000 crore (about $2.2 billion USD) to its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and create nearly 15,000 direct and 50,000 indirect jobs. Experts noted that the state must connect mining with downstream manufacturing and establish a robust ecosystem to support innovation and technology in the aluminium sector. They emphasized that the focus should not only be on extraction but also on building research-led industrial capabilities that enhance local enterprise development and sustainability. A well-integrated industrial strategy is seen as essential for transforming Odisha into a hub for value-added manufacturing, especially in future industries such as electric mobility and renewable energy.