The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 11, 2025
Reinforcing its unwavering commitment to safe mining operations, Vedanta, India’s largest producer of aluminium, successfully organized its Annual Mines Safety Fortnight (AMSF) at the Jamkani coal mine in Odisha’s Sundargarh district. Conducted in collaboration with the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), the two-week-long initiative saw enthusiastic participation from over 500 employees and business partners, all united under the theme: “Aap ka pariwar aap ka intezar kar raha hai” (Your family is waiting for you).
The event underscored the critical importance of implementing stringent safety protocols to prevent workplace accidents and ensure employee well-being.
Speaking on the occasion, Prafull Ranjan Thakur, Director of Mines Safety, DGMS Bhubaneswar, lauded Vedanta Aluminium’s efforts. “I would like to congratulate the Jamkani coal mine team of Vedanta Aluminium for successfully organizing the Annual Mines Safety Fortnight Programme. Their commitment to regular safety drills, awareness sessions, and strict adherence to protocols — such as a secure one-way access road for heavy earth-moving machinery — sets a high benchmark for the industry,” he said.
Highlighting Vedanta Aluminium’s strong safety culture, David Stone, CEO (Coal Mines), Aluminium, reiterated the company’s zero-harm philosophy. “Safety is an integral part of our core values, and ensuring a workplace free from harm remains our key objective. We are accelerating this goal through consistent implementation of best practices across all operational levels, fostering a culture of care, and ensuring full compliance with safety norms,” said Stone.
Throughout the fortnight, the mines team proactively raised safety awareness among employees, their families, and local communities through regular workshops and interactive sessions. Key activities included defensive mock drills, fire safety training, first-aid workshops, and road safety awareness drives, all designed to instill a proactive safety mindset.
A highlight of the initiative was a comprehensive safety inspection conducted by an expert AMSF team of 10 members, including an Internal Safety Organisation (ISO) observer and senior officials from Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). The assessment reaffirmed Vedanta Aluminium’s commitment to upholding the highest safety standards in mining operations.
