Tag: Responsible Mining

Business

Tripartite Meeting Strengthens Mine Safety Initiatives at Bicholim Block I

Tanisha Cardozo

Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Goa (Vedanta IOG), operating the Block I, Bicholim Mineral Block, marked a significant milestone in mine safety and stakeholder collaboration by hosting a Tripartite Meeting under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) at Panjim, Goa. The gathering brought together key stakeholders including senior DGMS officials, worker union representatives, and Vedanta’s leadership and employees.

The primary objective of the Tripartite Meeting was to foster an open forum for discussing best practices, risks, and innovative measures that contribute to a safer and more sustainable mining environment. With a firm focus on collective responsibility, the event highlighted the need for strong coordination between regulators, industry leaders, and the workforce.

Gracing the occasion were dignitaries including Shri Ramawatar Meena, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety, Western Zone, Nagpur; Shri Aftab Ahmad, Director of Mines Safety, SO, Western Zone; Shri P.K Jain, Director of Mines Safety (Mech.), Western Zone; Shri Ramesh Walikar, Director of Mines Safety, Goa Region; Shri Vineet Chaurasia, Deputy Director of Mines Safety (Elect.), Western Zone; and Shri Deepak Chandramukhi, Deputy Director of Mines Safety, Goa Region.

From Vedanta Sesa Goa, the delegation was led by Shri Navin Jaju, CEO; Shri Vinod Kumar, COO-Mining; Shri Dhirajkumar Jagdish, Dy. CEO, Vedanta IOG; and union leaders including Shri Siddesh Parab of the Bicholim Workers’ Union and Shri Lakshwadeep Arsekar of the Sesa Goa Workers’ Union, along with other management and union functionaries.

In his welcome address, Shri Navin Jaju emphasized that safe and responsible production is central to Vedanta’s operational philosophy. “We prioritise Occupational Safety & Health as a collective responsibility. Safety is Us. The Tripartite Meeting has served as a constructive forum to reaffirm our shared responsibility in shaping a safer and more sustainable mining ecosystem,” he said.

Shri Ramawatar Meena, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety, lauded the initiative and remarked on the critical role of Tripartite Meetings in building trust and alignment among regulators, workforce, and management. He appreciated Vedanta Sesa Goa for embracing responsible practices, technological innovation, and sustainable mining solutions such as the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy. He noted that such forward-thinking adoption is not only commendable but essential for a future-ready mining industry.

This event holds particular significance as the first Tripartite Meeting since Vedanta began operations at Block I, Bicholim Mineral Block in April 2024—the first auctioned mine in India to become operational under the auction regime. The high-level DGMS delegation reviewed the safety mechanisms in place and expressed satisfaction with Vedanta’s adherence to safety standards and its vision of responsible mining.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in dynamic discussions, sharing real-world insights and exploring collaborative solutions to reduce operational hazards. The sessions underscored the importance of proactive safety protocols, continuous training, and transparent communication across all levels of operation.

The Directorate General of Mines Safety reiterated its commitment to partnering with responsible operators and worker representatives to evolve and implement comprehensive policies that center the well-being and safety of every individual associated with the mining industry.

The Tripartite Meeting not only highlighted Vedanta Sesa Goa’s proactive stance on safety but also reinforced the vital role of such collaborations in transforming India’s mining sector into one that is not only productive but also safe, inclusive, and future-focused.

Social

Vedanta Sesa Goa Committed to Constructive Resolution of Issues Raised by Pilgao and Sarmanas Communities

allycaralgoa

In connection with the recent disruption to ore transportation operations in the Sarmanas jetty area, Vedanta Sesa Goa reaffirms its longstanding commitment to responsible mining operations and constructive engagement with local communities.

Mining operations in the Bicholim region have been conducted for over four decades with land usage agreements in place with various entities, including local Devasthan committees and private landholders. Additionally, Vedanta Sesa Goa holds possession and valid rights over a significant portion of the operational land, which includes areas under tenancy. All supporting agreements and documentation remain in the company’s possession and have been maintained in accordance with applicable statutory requirements.

While these matters have historically been considered settled, Vedanta Sesa Goa has consistently responded to periodic representations from community members. In recent months, in spite of the settled settlements, fresh settlement terms have been initiated in consultation with the parties, under the facilitation of the Deputy Collector. As part of this process, approximately 50% of the affected farmers have formally consented to the agreed settlement terms recorded during these official meetings, with several already receiving settlement payments.

The current disruption has arisen from demands by a section of the affected parties seeking revised settlement terms. Vedanta Sesa Goa continues to actively engage with all concerned stakeholders to address these matters in a fair, transparent, and mutually agreeable manner.

Vedanta Sesa Goa reiterates that unplanned disruptions to transportation operations not only cause inconvenience to the local population but also results in avoidable losses to the state exchequer and adversely affects the livelihoods of mining dependents and allied businesses in the region.

The company urges all concerned parties to extend their cooperation and actively participate in the ongoing engagement processes to arrive at mutually acceptable solutions in the larger interest of the community and the state.

Vedanta Sesa Goa remains dedicated to operating as a responsible,environmentally conscious corporate citizen and contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Goa through sustained, lawful, and community-driven practices.