25th Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation Week Concludes with Grand Celebration in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, 23rd February 2024: The 25th Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation Week (ME&MC) reached a triumphant finale today in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant milestone in the mining industry. Organized under the Aegis Indian Bureau of Mines, Bhubaneswar region, this annual event brought together 87 mines to promote sustainable mining practices.

The Daitari Iron Ore Mines, of Odisha Mining Corporation Limited (OMC), a Wholly owned Corporation of the Government of Odisha, hosted the grand finale and awards ceremony of the 25th Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation Week, marking the conclusion of the event’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. The theme of this year’s event is “Safeguarding The Future With Sustainable Mining.”

Shri Peeyush Narayan Sharma, Chief Controller of Mines (I/c) MDRD, IBM, graced the concluding day and prize distribution ceremony as the chief guest. Shri Shailendra Kumar, Controller of Mines (EZ), IBM, Kolkata. and Shri Sabyasachi Mohanty, Director (Operations) OMC Ltd were present as Guests of Honour. Among other dignitaries Shri Arun Kumar, Regional Controller of Mines IBM Bhubaneswar & Convenor, MEMC, Shri Rajesh Kumar Das, Deputy Controller of Mines, IBM Bhubaneswar & Coordinator, MEMC, Shri Kshriod Chandra Brahma, Director( Project and Planning ) OMC Ltd & Chairman MEMC, Shri M Muthumari, (Business Head Mines), FACOR-Vedanta, Vice Chairman MEMC and Shri Pinaki Mallick, Additional General Manager (Geology) OMC Ltd & General Secretary MEMC also present on the occasion.

The week-long ME&MC, held earlier from 30th November to 6th December 2023 under the aegis of the Indian Bureau of Mines, Bhubaneswar Region, saw various activities promoting environmental awareness and mineral conservation among stakeholders. Inspections and competitions were organized to create awareness about sustainable mining practices.

Inspection teams evaluated mines based on performance in various areas such as afforestation, waste dump management, topsoil management, reclamation and rehabilitation, management of sub-grade minerals, installation and use of ore beneficiation facilities, monitoring, and sustainability.

Exhibition stalls showcased companies committed to promoting sustainable mining practices, environmental stewardship, and technological advancements. Participants included Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), Utkal Alumina, TATA Steel, ESRI India,  Coir Geotextiles, Vedanta Facor, Allterra Solutions LLP, Garuda Aerospace, IR Technology Services Pvt Ltd, OFDC Ltd, Kerala State Coir Corporation, Ecodea, Swan Environment Pvt Ltd, and HP Polymers Pvt Ltd among others.

The evening concluded with captivating performances by renowned artists and talented performers from across the region, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees.