Utkal Alumina organizes 19th Mines Environment Week

Bhubaneswar: Under the aegis of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) Bhubaneswar Region, Utkal Alumina International Limited, a unit of Aditya Birla Group, has organized the 19th Mines Environment & Mineral Conservation Week here.

On the concluding day ceremony on Friday, the Controller General of Mines of IBM Nagpur R.K. Sinha said the objective of this meet is to promote environment awareness in the mines and how to make them more competitive in the sector of the environment as, nowadays, environment and mineral conservation are two most important factors in mines.

“We have also advised the mining companies on solid-waste management, plantation, taking measures to control air pollution, taking steps for water discharge etc in the mining areas. For this, we have added a marking system and this is the platform where we reward the good and ethical mining companies,” Sinha added.

Nagesh, the unit head of UAIL, said that the introduction of the Sustainable Development Framework (SDF) with a Star rating provision for a fare and transparency in the activities related to Systematic and Scientific Mine Development by the IBM has really encouraged the mining communities to develop a win-win situation between mining & environment winning the confidence of the local community.

In the meanwhile, Steel & Mines department has enforced to adhere the exploration framework strictly to enhance the geological resource base.

“Further we came to know that, IBM has come up with the approval of mining plan through online & within a much stipulated time frame, which is significantly appreciable. I hope in future, IBM will implement or adopt more and more scientific and systematic way to carry out the mining activities more smoothly and speedily,” Nagesh added.

Among others, Debidutt Biswal, Member Secretary OPCB (Odisha Pollution Control Board), A.B.Panigrahi, Controller of Mines (Central Zone),  were present. Besides, Director & Advisor of UAIL S.K Mishra was present on this occasion.

Ardhendu Mohapatra, the Joint President Corporate Affairs of Hindalco gave the welcome address. B R K Padhi, AVP Mines of UAIL extended the vote of thanks.