NTPC Mining Limited’s Pakri-Barwadih coal mining project has been honored with the 3rd Prize in the Large Opencast Coal Mine category at the 1st Pan India Level Mine Safety Award (MSA-2024). This prestigious event, organized under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), aimed to recognize and reward the mines demonstrating the best safety practices across the coal, metal, oil, and gas sectors.
Mines from various sectors were shortlisted by a committee constituted by DGMS based on their safety practices, annual volume handled, and past performances in Mines Safety Weeks organized by DGMS. Pakri-Barwadih coal mine's inclusion in this list underscores its exemplary safety standards and consistent performance.
An inspection of all shortlisted mines, including Pakri-Barwadih, was conducted by a team comprising senior members from DGMS, GM-level officers from Coal India subsidiaries, and VP-level officers from private coal companies. The assessment team inspected the Pakri-Barwadih coal mine on July 18, 2024.
Based on inspection and selection of mines the prize distribution ceremony, held today at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata, was a grand event attended by industry leaders, including the Chairman of Coal India Limited, the Director (Fuel) of NTPC, CMDs and Directors of CIL subsidiaries, CMDs and Directors from NMDC, MOIL, HCL, SAIL, UCIL, and representatives from leading private companies like Tata Steel and Hindalco.
In a moment of immense pride, Shri Prabhat Kumar, Chief Inspector of Mines and Director General of DGMS, presented the 3rd Prize to Shri Shivam Srivastava, Director (Fuel) of NTPC and Chairman of NTPC Mining Limited (NML), and Shri Faiz Taiyab, Head of Project at Pakri-Barwadih. Accompanying them were Shri Chandra Shekhar, Mine Agent, the Director (Operations) of TSMPL, and senior officials from Coal Mining HQ and TSML. In his address, Shri Prabhat Kumar commended NTPC’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a robust safety culture and implementing best-in-class safety practices.
Speaking on this special occasion, Director (Fuel) and Chairman of NTPC Mining Limited Shri Shivam Srivastava said, "Events like this are very important to promote the safety culture in the mining industry. Mining plays a crucial role in the development of society and the progress of the nation. The mining fraternity is directly contributing to the building of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat.'"
In addition to this significant achievement, NTPC Mining Limited’s (NML) exhibition stall was adjudged the Best Stall in the Coal Sector, further highlighting NTPC’s dedication to safety and excellence in mining operations.
This double honor – the 3rd Prize for Pakri-Barwadih and the Best Stall award – is a testament to NTPC’s relentless pursuit of safety, innovation, and operational excellence in the mining sector.