Sukinda Chromite Mine Bags First Prize In Overall Safety Performance At 39th Annual Metalliferous Mines Safety Week

Bhubaneswar: Sukinda Chromite Mine of TSML bagged the first prize in overall safety performance at the 39th Annual Metalliferous Mines Safety Week, held under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Bhubaneswar region. It concluded on May 3. It was
hosted by Sukinda Chromite Mine of Tata Steel Mining Limited (TSML) located in Odisha’s Jajpur district.

The week-long workshop, organised after a gap of two years, emphasised the need for recognising
hazards, managing risks, and improving safety standards in mining operations. Several safety stalls were also set up by the participating miners to demonstrate the efforts taken and executed to improve mine safety and productivity.

Ujjwal Tah, Deputy Director-General of Mines Safety, South Eastern Zone Ranchi was the chief guest. Krishnendu Mondal, Director of Mines Safety, Bhubaneswar Region; Pankaj Satija, Managing Director, TSML; Sushant Kumar Mishra, Senior General Manager, TSML
and other senior dignitaries of DGMS were present.

Daitari Iron Ore Mine of OMC was conferred the second prize for 2021-22. For 2020-21, Sukinda Chromite Mine of TSML won the first prize in the overall category and Orissa Sands Complex (OSCOM) Mine of IREL(India) Limited won the second prize.

The prestigious Mishrilal Award was conferred to Sukinda Chromite Mine of TSML (A category), Sukinda Mines(Chromite) of IMFA(B category), Mahagiri Mines (Chromite) of IMFA(C category) and Chhuinpali Quartzite Mine of TRL Krosaki Refractories Ltd(D Category) in different categories of mines depending on production levels.

Expressing satisfaction with the safety statistics of Bhubaneswar region mines, Ujjwal Tah urged the participants to handhold the unorganised sector in bringing up their safety standards by extending various infrastructural facilities to them.

Krishnendu Mondal said “Systematic approach and the right attitude can help us achieve zero harm in mines and plants. Safety is something that has to be imbibed in our work culture.”
Pankaj Satija highlighted the importance of such safety functions for reinforcing positive behaviour at the workplace. He emphasised on preparation and use of quality SOPs and the involvement of a competent workforce to mitigate safety risks in operations.

Forty mines under the jurisdiction of DGMS, Bhubaneswar region participated in the safety week celebration observed from May 11 to 17. Competitions were held in various categories and mines inspections were also carried out to focus on the implementation of several safety and welfare measures in the mines.
Participating companies included OMC, IMFA, NALCO, HINDALCO, UTKAL ALUMINA, ACC Cement, Granite Group Of Mines, TSML, IDCOL, Graphite Mines, TRL, IREL (India) Limited, UAIL, FACOR and Stone Quarry Group Of Mines.