Orissa is the largest producer of aluminium in India. In 2005-06, it produced over 415,000 tonnes of aluminium, representing around half of India's total aluminium production, Orissa's key advantage for aluminium industry is the fact that the state accounts for half of India's bauxite reserves. Its location makes it close to the Chinese and South East Asian markets and the presence of large ports makes it easier to access large export markets.

Prominent players in the aluminium industry in Orissa are NALCO and HINDALCO. NALCO is expanding its aluminium capacity from 218,000 TPA to 345,000 TPA. HINDALCO at Hirakud has already expanded their Aluminium smelting capacity from 65,000 TPA to 100,000 TPA. The installed capacity is being further increased to 146,000 TPA.

Utkal Alumina, a joint venture between AV Birla Group and Alcan, Canada, is setting up a 1.5 MT aluminium project with an investment of over Rs.10,725 crores.

Vedanta Alumina is setting up a 1MT alumina project at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district of the state at a cost of nearly Rs.4000.00 crores