Vedanta Sesa Goa has come in for praise from G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, for mine reclamation as a gesture of giving back to the society in view of nature conservation for future generations.
G. Kishan Reddy, during his visit to Goa, was impressed with Sanquelim Reclaimed Mines (SRM) at Sankhali, – a sprawling green scape, sustainably reclaimed post closure of mining operations in the area in the 1990s.
The Union Minister of Coal and Mines was accompanied by VL Kantha Rao, Mines Secretary, Govt of India, Dr YG Kale, Controller of Mines, Narayan Ghad, DMG, Goa, Dr. Naresh Kataria, RCM, Goa, Pramod Badami, Chief Engineer, Water Resources Department, among others.
The visiting group was received at the SRM by 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. The segments comprised – Pisciculture Pond, Bamboo Pavilion, Nakshatra Garden, Charak Vatika, Butterfly Park and the Sesa Technical School.
The 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, G.Kishan Reddy 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 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 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 a 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 prioritising environmental conservation and socio-economic development, ensuring long-term benefits for the nation and its people.
