Under the aegis of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) Utkal Alumina International limited (UAIl), a unit of Aditya Birla Group, organised the 19th Mines Environment Week here.
Controller General of Mines of IBM Nagpur RK Sinha addressed the gathering as chief guest on the concluding day. While addressing the gathering, Sinha said,
“The objective of the meet is to promote environment awareness in the mines and how to make them more competitive in the sector of environment as now-a-days environment and mineral conservation are two most important factors in mines. We have also advised the mining companies to solid-waste management, plantation, take measures to control air pollution, take 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.”
Unit Head of UAIl N Nagesh said that the introduction of the Sustainable Development Framework (SDF) with a star rating provision for fairness 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.
Among others, Odisha Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Debidutt Biswal, Controller of Mines (Central Zone) AB Panigrahi, were present as the guests. Joint President Corporate Affairs of Hindalco Ardhendu Mohapatra gave the welcome address. AVP Mines of UAIl BRK Padhi extended vote of thanks. At last prizes were distributed to the winning mining companies and the children of the different schools. The Utkal Alumina won the prize for remarkable contribution towards afforestation.