Tata Steel today claimed that its Sukinda Chromite Mine (SCM) in Odisha's Jajpur district has become the first mine in India to roll out a pilot project on Sustainable Development Framework (SDF), a concept proposed and promoted by Union Mines Ministry for the development of culture of sustainable mining.
Balvinder Kumar, Secretary, Union Ministry of Mines, today formally launched SDF at Sukinda Chromite Mine of Tata Steel, a company statement said.
SDF aims at integrating social, environmental and economic value in decisions and operations of mining companies in a transparent and accountable manner, thereby acting responsibly and contributing to the well-being of the society with mineral conservation, environment and corporate social responsibility at its core.
SCM got the honour by fulfilling the principles of sustainable mining, doing business with ethical practices and sound systems of corporate governance, implementing risk management strategies, achieving continual improvement in health, safety and environmental performances upholding fundamental human rights and respecting ethnicity, it said.
Integrated approaches for land use planning, responsible use, reuse, research and recovery of mined out materials including associated natural resources with an aim of zero waste mining is being done, the release said.
In order to develop a complete data base covering the basic principles of sustainable mining, Indian Bureau of Mines, Bhubaneswar Region, has selected the SCM to espouse the format developed for further deliberations and its customisation for all the mines in the state as well as in the country, it said.
Congratulating Sukinda Chromite Mine of Tata Steel for becoming the first mine in the country to initiate the process of SDF, the Union Mines Secretary said, this will set an example for other mines to follow for making Indian mining industry more sustainable in days to come.
