7th December 2025
Vedanta Iron Ore Odisha Reinforces Commitment to Environmental Stewardship at MEMC Week
Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Odisha celebrated the 27th Mines Environment & Mineral Conservation (MEMC) Week at Nadidihi Iron Ore Mines & Nadidihi Iron and Manganese Ore
Mine, under the ageis of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) Bhubaneswar, under the them ‘Digital Mining: Transforming Today Sustaining Tomorrow.’
The inspection team was led by Mr. Arundeep Bhattacharjee, AVP (Mining), JSW Steel Ltd, as Convenor, along with Mr. P. Prithivi, Manager (Mining), NALCO Ltd, and Ms. Mandodari Mahanta, Dy. Manager (Geology), OMC Ltd. and were provided a brief on the mines operations, safety protocols and other orientation activities. The team also carried out plantation of saplings, reinforcing the commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Inspection Team was also briefed on by the Technical Services Department on various digital processes and procedures adopted in survey and planning. They also reviewed the mine model prepared by the team and appreciated the posters prepared by school students, employees, and workmen, representing vision and ideas on environmental conservation.
Mr. Arundeep Bhattacharjee, AVP (Mining), JSW Steel Ltd, Convenor, emphasized the MEMC theme, and appreciated the efforts of Vedanta IOO towards responsible mining and said “The Nadidihi Mines exemplify how digital tools can transform traditional mining practices. From planning to execution, the integration of technology reflects a proactive approach toward efficiency and environmental stewardship. What impressed us most was the commitment of the team to align every process with sustainability goals, ensuring that progress never comes at the cost of nature.”
Mr. Biswanath Sahoo, Chief Operating Officer, delivered an insightful address and said, “Digitalization is redefining mining operations, making them safer, smarter, and more sustainable. At ESL, we believe that embracing technology today is the key to building a resilient and responsible mining ecosystem for tomorrow. Our focus is not just on operational excellence but on creating a culture where innovation drives environmental stewardship and community wellbeing.”
The other activities carried out to commemorate the occasion featured a cultural program presented by the students of ITI Koida students and business partners. A poster competition at Nelanchal High School encouraged students to showcase ideas on environmental conservation, with winners selected by the inspection team. Recognition awards were presented under categories such as ‘Best Worker’, ‘Green Guardian’, ‘Clean Air Champion’, ‘Quality Stack Champion’, and ‘Resource Stewardship Award’, along with prizes for cultural participants.
The MEMC Week is an annual event organized by the MEMC Council under the aegis of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. This event is an essential initiative in India’s mining sector and is organized to raise awareness and recognize efforts in the mine environment and mineral conservation.