Tag: Sustainable 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

Union Minister for Coal and Mines Commends Vedanta Sesa Goa for Mine Reclamation

allycaralgoa

Vedanta Sesa Goa had the honour of hosting Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, during his visit to Goa. The Hon’ble minister was hosted at Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines (SRM) located at Sankhli, Goa, a sprawling green scape, sustainably reclaimed post closure of mining operations in the area in the 1990s.

Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines was accompanied by Mr VL Kantha Rao, Mines Secretary, Govt of India, Dr YG Kale, Controller of Mines, Mr Narayan Ghad, DMG, Goa, Dr. Naresh Kataria, RCM, Goa, Mr. Pramod Badami, Chief Engineer, Water Resources Dept., among others.

The visiting group was received at the SRM by Mr Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, along with other senior executives of the Company. During the visit, the dignitaries carried out an on-ground tour of the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mine, and were conducted at segments comprising the SRM – Pisciculture Pond, Bamboo Pavilion, Nakshatra Garden, Charak Vatika, Butterfly Park and the Sesa Technical School.
The Hon’ble Minister was briefed on the methodology followed while sustainably reclaiming the erstwhile mine site, a process which involved successful collaboration between Sesa Goa and multiple state and National level agencies.
Interacting with the media during the visit, Shri G.

Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines said “In India, extensive mining activities pertaining to coal and a wide variety of minerals is carried out. It is imperative to also carry out Mine Closure Activity in a responsible manner. This is essential from an environmental stand point as well as in terms of creating employment opportunities for locals. Here in Goa, I have come to see the Mine Closure Activity carried out by a private entity and Vedanta Sesa Goa has accomplished this in an ideal manner. This is significant, while we benefit from nature’s bounty, we must also ‘give back’ to the environment as also for the betterment of the future generations. Modi Government is extremely focused on Mine Closure Activities and I commend Vedanta Group for their good work in this regard.”

Speaking on the occasion, Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, said:
“We are honoured to host Shri G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, at the Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines and to be able to showcase our sustainable mining practices. At Vedanta Sesa Goa, we believe in responsible resource utilization, ensuring a positive environmental and social impact. Our Sanquelim Reclaimed Mine stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainable development. We are privileged to have hosted the Hon’ble Minister and thank him for his guidance and encouragement.”

Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines are an outcome of a massive multi agency project undertaken by Vedanta Sesa Goa in the 1990s. Once operations closed at the Sanquelim group of mines due to the uneconomical nature of ore, the SRM project was conceptualised at s time when no legislation existed for companies to reclaim erstwhile mine sites. Sesa Goa embarked on this unique Project and sought and received support from multiple agencies. Today the SRM stands as a testimony to conducting sustainable mining operations. Sesa Goa remains steadfast in its commitment to driving innovation in mining while prioritizing environmental conservation and socio-economic development, ensuring long-term benefits for the nation and its people.