NMDC gets S&P Platts award in CSR

State-ownedNMDC Limitedtoday said itbagged the prestigious S&P Global PlattsGlobal Metals Award 2018 in the corporate social responsibility category.

The awards' function was held yesterdayat London Grosvenor Square Marriott Hotel, UKandN Baijendra Kumar Chairman-cum-Managing Director and Sandeep Tula, Director (Personnel), NMDC received the coveted award,according to a company press release.

This is the first time since inception of this awards, an Indian Company bagged an award in this category,it added.

S&P Global Platts is the leading independent provider of information, benchmark prices and analytics for the energy and commodities markets.

It has been in existence for over 100 years.

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award recognizes the organization that best demonstrates leadership, commitment to action and real-world social impact on social responsibility of corporate business entity.

NMDC is the largest iron ore mining company in Indiaand withiron ore production of around 35 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), it has a domestic market share of about 25per cent(non-captive category).

NMDC also extracts diamonds through its mine in Panna, which is the only mechanized diamond mine in Asia.

CSR is "raison detre" of NMDC and not just a part of business strategy.

Some of the outstanding features of the CSR programmes of NMDC are mentioned below: NMDC's CSR engagement has grown over the years which gets reflected in the CSR expenditure which has increased from Rs 86 crore (USD13.25 million) in 2011-12 to an average of Rs.190 crore (USD30 million ) during the last three (03) years,it said.

The company has been supporting initiatives on Education, Health, Skill development, Infrastructure creationand drinking wateramong otherswith a view to enhance the quality of life and empower the local population,NMDC said.

Kumar also congratulated all the employees of the company for winning this award and stated that it was the collective efforts and collaborative approach of all the employees which made it possible.

He thanked Ministry of Steel for their continuous support and guidance and also appreciated the efforts.