Bhubaneswar: A conference titled ‘Odisha Metals & Mining Conference 2023’ hosted by a ASSOCHAM was organised here at a city-based hotel on Thursday. With an aim to encourage all stakeholders to unleash the Potential for Sustainable Growth, the conference discussed the urgent need to transform the untapped mineral potential of the country in a sustainable manner by ensuring the participation of all the stakeholders to achieve ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat.’
Prafulla Kumar Mallick Minister, Steel & Mines emphasized that the Govt of Odisha is committed towards the growth of Mining and Metal Sector by promoting exploration, auctioning more blocks, expediting the operationalisation of these blocks keeping in mind the concept of sustainability in line with the National Mineral Policy of the Nation.
Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh ACS Steel & Mines stated that responsible extraction, sustainable logistics infrastructure, flourishing downstream industries and people are the ingredients of Sustainable growth. He also told the house that Govt of Odisha is working in a coordinated manner to explore more and more blocks and take auction them. He further emphasised the importance of sustainability in mining to keep the mineral available for future generations.
Pankaj Lochan Mohanty Chairman Odisha State Development Council and CMD MGM Minerals has pointed out that recognizing the environmental challenges associated with mining, Odisha has taken steps to promote sustainable mining practices by enforcing environmental safeguards which ensures responsible mining thereby minimizing ecological impacts.
Pankaj Satija, Member, ASSOCHAM National Council on Mines & Minerals, Managing Director, Tata Steel Mining Ltd said “Mining is pivotal for industrial growth and should be done with the objective of resource stewardship, intergenerational equity, improving biodiversity, and water availability and minimizing the negative impact of climate change. By responsibly harnessing Earth’s riches today, we secure a sustainable legacy for future generations, while also forging a path towards a greener, more sustainable future for our planet”.
Bibhu Prasad Mishra, Executive Vice President, Jindal Steel & Power focused on logistics concerns for resource evacuation for the mineral based industry on the state. He also emphasized on raw material security and speedy EC/FC clearances for sustainable operation in the state.
Prabodh Mohanty, Managing Director, SNM Group hailed that the conference is quite relevant as state of Odisha is the largest producer of iron ore, coal, bauxite etc and it will naturally contribute to the industrial development of Odisha and India at large.
A joint knowledge report was released by ASSOCHAM-ICRA along with ASSOCHAM Newsletter on Metals & Mining Sector among eminent dignitaries.
