Apart from the various other sectors that depend on mining like the steel, aluminium, copper etc., the communities who are most impacted are the ones who live in mining locations and eventually also work in these mines. It is the very nature of the entire process of mining which has the ability to impact them in both positive and negative ways. It has the potential of creating a social and economic development, transforming people’s lives for the better.
Responsible mining companies recognise that they need to proactively engage with communities to build strong relationships based on trust and respect which help in building long-term mutually beneficial relationships.
Companies have to invest in research and development for the sustainable growth of the entire mining process to create a positive impact not only on the communities residing there but also on the environment and biodiversity.
This has been the central objective that has enabled Tata Steel to bring about a noticeable change and develop the communities in Jharkhand where the company celebrated 100 years of sustainable coal mining last year in Jharia Division and has successfully managed to create a sustainable environment for the communities and help mitigate the impact of mining on the environment.
In the recent years, rainwater harvesting has emerged as one of the most sustainable ways to conserve rainwater that otherwise gets wasted by getting drained off.
The installation of rainwater harvesting structure has helped the local communities in channelising precious rainwater to percolate down and replenish underground water table. Tata Steel inaugurated the state-of-the-art Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) Project Phase-II at Joda in 2018 which is now the source of water for hundreds of farmers in that area.
Tata Steel’s 3 MW Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Power Plant in Noamundi, the first in any iron ore mine in the country, is an inspiring example of leveraging renewable energy sources in the mining ecosystem.
While maintaining an emphasis on production and productivity at its mining locations, Tata Steel has adopted a strategic approach towards mine safety, digital mining leveraging industry 4.0 technologies, management of natural and shared resources - especially water, air and land - diversity and inclusion in the workforce, and social and environmental sustainability through inclusive growth and biodiversity management, in line with the company’s business objectives.
All Tata Steel mines and collieries have developed Biodiversity Management Plans and Knowledge Centres have been established across the Raw Materials Division to enhance employee skills and productivity.
Tata Steel's strategies and funds are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The company has been making significant social investments as part of its commitment to inclusive growth and community development. A large part of the expenditure and efforts are assigned towards creation of social infrastructure including infrastructure for agricultural development for sustainable livelihoods, in the form of check dams, ponds, irrigation canals, new water tanks, etc.
Community development is the process of increasing the strength and effectiveness of communities, their quality of life and their effective role in the decision-making process that will have greater long-term control over their lives. It goes beyond justifying social impacts and focuses on strengthening community viability.
Often, the most sustainable and beneficial legacies of community development programmes are those that support the upskilling or capability building of local people through training, employment and education; and drive benefits that convert mining assets, namely non-renewable natural resource capital, into other local assets, namely sustainable social, economic and environmental capital.
This entire process is a journey not a destination for both the mining companies and the communities which reside in and around mining locations. There will always be room for improvement but community relations is a process that requires constant attention and resource investment along with a long term vision which fundamentally needs commitment.
(Vice President, Raw Material, Tata Steel)
