Tata Steel's Sukinda mines first to roll out SDF pilot project

Sukinda Chromite Mine (SCM) of Tata Steel in Odisha's Jajpur district has become the first in India to roll out a pilot project on Sustainable Development Framework (SDF), an official statement on Thursday.

Mines Secretary Balvinder Kumar formally launched the project at Sukinda mine on Thursday.

A concept proposed and promoted by mines ministry for the development of culture of sustainable mining in the country, 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.

In order to develop a complete data base covering the basic principles of sustainable mining, Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Bhubaneswar region has selected the Sukinda mine to espouse the format developed for further deliberations and its customisation for all the mines in the state as well as in the country, said the statement.

The mines secretary said this will set an example for other mines to follow for making Indian mining industry more sustainable in days to come.

Chanakya Chaudhary, group director (corporate communication and regulatory affairs) of Tata Steel, said as a responsible corporate, Tata Steel has always been taking measures for sustainable mining with adequate focus on protection of environment, energy conservation, and social inclusion.