THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

JODA, MARCH 29, 2026

Reinforcing its leadership in responsible and technology-driven mining, Tata Steel’s Iron and Manganese mines in the Joda cluster of Odisha have secured an impressive 14 awards at the 27th Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation (MEMC) Week 2025–26 award ceremony, organised on Saturday in Bhubaneswar under the aegis of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).

The recognition highlights Tata Steel’s sustained commitment to environmentally responsible mining practices, scientific resource utilisation, and adoption of global standards in mineral conservation. The awards acknowledge excellence in mineral beneficiation, reclamation and rehabilitation, afforestation, sustainable development, and systematic scientific mining.

On this occasion, Tata Steel’s Joda East Iron Mine received two separate second prizes under Category-A for Mineral Beneficiation and Reclamation & Rehabilitation. Additionally, the mine was also awarded the second prize for overall performance under the same category. In this category, Khondbond Iron and Manganese Mine also received third prizes for Mineral Beneficiation and Reclamation & Rehabilitation separately.

Similarly, Katamati Iron Mine was awarded the first prize for Systematic Scientific Development and the third prize for Mineral Conservation.

Under Category-B, the Neelachal Mine of Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited received the second prize for Reclamation and Rehabilitation. Officials from various mines received the awards from the Chief Guest, Pankaj Kulshreshtha, Controller General of Mines, IBM. Similarly, Joda West Iron & Manganese Mine won two first prizes in Afforestation and Systematic & Scientific Development.

The mine was also awarded first prize for Overall Performance. Bamebari Iron & Manganese Mine won first prize in Reclamation & Rehabilitation and third prize in Sustainable Development. Similarly, Tiringpahar Iron & Manganese Mine has been awarded first prize in Afforestation.

Among others present at the event were G. Kale, Chief Controller of Mines, IBM, Pukhraj Nenival, Controller of Mines (East Zone), Rajesh Kumar, Chief Joda, Tata Steel, G. V. Satyanarayana, Chief, Khondbond Mine, Shambhu Nath Jha, Chief, Manganese Mines, Rahul Kishore, Chief, Neelachal Mine; along with heads of operations of various mines, union representatives, and delegates from mines across the state.

The strong performance of Tata Steel’s Joda cluster reflects the company’s continued focus on balancing industrial growth with environmental stewardship. By leveraging advanced mining technologies and globally benchmarked conservation measures, Tata Steel has consistently prioritised responsible extraction and sustainable utilisation of natural resources.

Tata Steel remains committed to sustainable mining practices across its operations worldwide. The company also ensures the quality and conservation of raw materials through advanced technologies while maintaining high international standards, reinforcing its position as a responsible industry leader in mineral resource management.