Bengaluru Karnataka, 26th Dec 2024: The ‘Mines Safety Week 2024’, organized by the Mines Safety Association Karnataka (MSAK), Zone-3, under the aegis of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), culminated in a grand ‘Concluding Day Event’ hosted by Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka. This prestigious event was graced by Shri. Ujjwal Tah, Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Dhanbad, as the Chief Guest, alongside Shri. R. T. Mandekar, Dy. Director General of Mines Safety, Southern Zone, Bengaluru, Shri. Vinod Kumar, President, MSAK Zone-3 & Chief Operating Officer (COO), Vedanta Sesa Goa, Shri. R. Praveen Chandra, Chairman, MSAK & Mine Owner of M/s. R. Praveen Chandra (ERM Group), and other dignitaries.
Around 1500 mining professionals, workers, from across mines in Karnataka, government officials, participated in the Mines Safety Week ‘Concluding Day Event’. The ‘Mines Safety Week 2024’ serves as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of safety measures in the mining industry and to recognize the outstanding contributions to safety protocols. This year’s events were based on the theme – ‘Safe Handling of Explosives in Mines.’ The week-long initiative witnessed active participation from mining organizations across Karnataka, aiming to foster a robust safety culture in the mining sector through knowledge-sharing & technical innovations. The ’Closing Day Event’ commenced with a Mines Safety Flag hoisting, oath taking ceremony aimed at ensuring safety at all times, formal addresses by the Chief guest, dignitaries, releasing the Mines Safety week souvenirs, and cultural performances.
Addressing the gathering, Shri. Ujjwal Tah, Director General of Mines Safety (DGMS), Dhanbad emphasized, “Safety in mining is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral responsibility that must be deeply ingrained in every action we take. Events like Mines Safety Week provide a platform to recognize efforts, share best practices, and reaffirm our commitment to a safer mining ecosystem. I am confident that organising the Mines Safety Week Observance will help the mining industry to achieve the goal of zero accident potential.”
Shri. R. Praveen Chandra, Chairman, MSAK, lauded the collaborative efforts of the industry, stating, “Safety Week is a testament to the mining community’s resolve to prioritize worker safety. I commend Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka for hosting this remarkable event and for their continuous leadership in embracing advanced safety technologies.”
The ‘Closing Day Event’ also recognised individuals and teams who have displayed exceptional commitment to safety practices. Awards were presented in categories such as Best Safe Mines, Best Practices in Safety Management, and Overall excellence in Mines safety.The event concluded with a vote of thanks, emphasizing the shared vision of fostering a zero-harm culture in mining. Vedanta’s hosting of the Mines Safety Week 2024 highlights its unwavering dedication to creating a secure and sustainable future for all stakeholders in the mining ecosystem.
Shri. Vinod Kumar, President, MSAK Zone-3, reiterated Vedanta’s commitment to safety, saying, “Mines Safety Week serves as a platform to highlight the significance of safety measures within the mining industry. At Vedanta Sesa Goa, safety is a fundamental aspect of our philosophy, and we are proud of the comprehensive measures we have implemented to minimize risks, enhance safety protocols, and prevent untoward incidents.”
Speaking at the event, Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka, said: “At Vedanta, the safety and security of our employees and business partners are our highest priorities. Mines Safety Week 2024 reaffirms our commitment to creating a secure and thriving work environment. Safety is not just a practice; it is a mindset that guides every operation. We are dedicated to providing a safe working environment for all, including our women employees and women mining engineers at our iron ore mine in Karnataka.”
Vedanta Sesa Goa, the hosts for the event , have increasingly adopted latest technology in ensuring that mining operations are conducted under inviolable safety conditions, these include the deployment of state-of-the-art equipment such as the Slope Safety Radar (SSR).Further, to achieve the highest standards of safety compliance, the Company has launched the ‘Safety is Us’ campaign which innovatively engages internal stakeholders as also the communities, and aims at enhancing safety consciousness, demonstrating a holistic approach to safety.