The landmass constituting the state of Orissa covers an area of 1,55,707 Sq. Kms. surrounded by the states of West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Andra Pradesh. The land has attracted the attention of several geo-scientists, explorers and enterprenuers for over a century on account of its diverse geological setting, rich and varied mineral resources.

About 80% of the state's landmass is underlain by pre- cambrian rocks, the oldest rocks in the earth's crust. The remaining area is composed of rocks belonging to Gondwanas, Quarternary & Recent formations. The geological set up of the state is not only favourable for discovery of wide variety of valuable ores and minerals but there is distinct possibility of substantial increase in the resources.

Unscientific though, exploration for minerals certainly seems to have been carried out in the distant past. The remnants of old workings, slag-heaps and mine dumps seen in different parts of the state bear ample testimony to exploration & mining activities in the past. The earliest recorded major mineral discovery in the state however is that of Coal in Talcher area in 1827. The coal deposits in Ib-Valley coal field of Sambalpur district were brought to light towards the later part of the last century. This was done after the discovery of the iron-ore deposits in Gorumahisani during 1903.