Two-day long awareness sessions on bird and bird watching expedition have been organised by Tata Steel Mining Limited (TSML) in its Sukinda Chromite Mine located in Jajpur district of Odisha. The awareness session, conducted by noted ornithologist Dr Justus Jousha, was aimed at creating awareness about diversity of birds and their influence on the overall ecosystem. It was attended by more than 300 employees and family members of Tata Steel Mining.

Besides more than 100 bird enthusiasts also visited the forest near the Sukinda Chromite Mine and Ragda Dam to watch and identify the birds in their natural habitat.

Speaking on the importance of birds for the biodiversity, Pankaj Kumar Satija, Managing Director,  Tata Steel Mining said, “Events like these have a strategic connect with the long-term plan that TSML has for restoring and rejuvenating biodiversity in the area. This is the first of such series of awareness sessions in last two years since pandemic to get all the stakeholders interested in the collective task of rebuilding the thriving ecosystem in a timebound sustained manner.”

By welcoming the participants and explaining the importance of birds for a vibrant ecosystem, Sushant Mishra, Senior General Manager, Tata Steel Mining said, “With an intent to build awareness and interest, this bird identification and exploratory site visit was planned with the help of biodiversity experts. We hope the participants will bring the best out of these sessions and encourage others for the cause.”.

There is a proposed project on niche nesting for birds, the space selected by the species for their feeding, resting, sleeping, nesting, breeding, and growing to secure safe environment and avoid competition with other species.  TSML has planned to establish 200 nest boxes in each of its mining locations. Putting up artificial nest boxes of different dimensions and hole sizes will enhance the availability of nesting space for both primary and secondary hole nesters and enhance bird diversity in the area.

Based on its vast experience of restoring biodiversity in the mining area, TSML has evolved a ‘Biodiversity action framework’ which would serve as a guiding tool for all the stakeholders in the mining sector. This framework provides practical guidance for the progressive restoration and enhancement of biodiversity within the mines and to the extent possible, in the adjacent impacted areas. The measures proposed in the plan are subject to annual reviews which strive for a system of continuous and adaptive improvement.

About Tata Steel Mining Limited

Tata Steel Mining is a 100 % subsidiary of Tata Steel. With the change of name from Tata Steel Alloys Limited to Tata Steel Mining Limited, the company has redefined itself from a ferro chrome manufacturer to an integrated chrome value player. Tata Steel Mining is among the leading players in chrome ore mining and the ferro alloys business in India. Starting from mining, to making ferro chrome, managing the supply chain and associated processes, Tata Steel Mining serve its esteemed customers both in the national and international markets. Its operations leverage Tata Steel’s (parent company) domain expertise in mining, innovation capabilities, sustainability, and long-standing position in the Chrome business. Furthermore, it is leveraging its mining expertise and strong relationships with customers to expand the business and inject it with its new-found rigour and focus.

The values of visionary leadership, excellence, valuing employees, communities & partners, Sustainability, organizational and corporate citizenship are embedded in the Purpose, Vision and Values of Tata Steel Mining and are aligned with the Tata Steel Founder’s philosophy and Tata Group values

Tata Steel Mining’s capacity for high-carbon ferro chrome manufacturing has increased to nearly 500 KTPA. Its  manufacturing base includes two of its own ferro chrome smelting facilities in Odisha, Gopalpur and Athagarh, as well as six partner smelter plants spread across four states in eastern and central India. Company’s  three chrome ore captive mines in Sukinda, Saruabil, and Kamarda provide a reliable supply chain for its ferro chrome operations. The company has built a well-integrated value chain from mine to market using this infrastructure.