In a bid to make students understand mining and mineral processing operations, the Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technologists (SGAT) organised a Regional Environment-cum-Mineral Awareness Programme (EMAP) at the TRB Iron Ore Mines of Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL), Tensa in Sundergarh district recently.
As many as 30 Class-IX students from 15 peripheral schools along with teachers participated in the day-long programme which involved competitions like oral quiz, written test, identification of common rock, ore and mineral samples.
The students were taken to the mines for a field visit to gain practical knowledge on mines and mining operations which involved huge machineries. During the tour they interacted with the mining officials to get their queries resolved.
Addressing the gathering, TRB Mines unit head PK Patra said, “The objective is to facilitate the students an exposure about actual mining and mineral processing operations, transportation system and environment management practices. I’m sure our effort is a stepping stone towards their knowledge on safe mining and its operations”.
Deputy Director of Mines, Koira region gracing as chief guest said, “I’m happy that students of this age have shown great interest in minerals and the operations involved in mining. It will be of great help for them in future.”
Stressing on the importance of environment in mining, SGAT secretary AB Panigrahi said, “The mining of ores and minerals should be carried out in a systematic and scientific manner by taking adequate environmental safeguards. This should be supported by individual as well as combined efforts.”
The valedictory session of the programme was graced by T Mohanta, Jt Secretary, SGAT; T.C. Sei, SN Mohanty Mines; CR Sahoo, Mining Officer, Koira and RK Bedbek, Principal, DAV Public School, Tensa.