Ecological Eminence Earns Eminent Endorsement

In a landmark achievement for environmentally conscious mining, JSW Steel’s Nuagaon Iron Ore Mine, situated in Odisha’s mineral-rich Keonjhar district, has been conferred the Kalinga Environmental Excellence National Award 2024. The award, accompanied by a 4-star rating, celebrates the mine’s comprehensive efforts toward sustainable practices, environmental integrity, and regulatory compliance. It places Nuagaon among India’s most environmentally responsible industrial sites.

Ceremonial Celebration of Climate-Conscious Conduct

The accolade was announced during the 10th National Conclave on Environment, Energy & Climate Change, held on June 21, 2025, in Bhubaneswar. Attended by government dignitaries, environmental experts and industry leaders, the event served as a platform to evaluate pressing climate issues and highlight industry leaders making a meaningful impact. JSW Steel’s Nuagaon Mine was among the top honourees, receiving national recognition for its sustainability leadership in the mining sector.

Pioneering Practices Promoted by People-First Policies

The award was formally accepted by Ram Shankar Sharma, Head of Mines Operations and Projects at JSW Steel Odisha. He was joined by the company's environment and compliance team, underscoring JSW’s collective organisational commitment to ecological harmony. Sharma highlighted the continuous investments made in eco-friendly technology and restoration activities that have transformed Nuagaon into a benchmark for responsible resource management.

Genesis & Geography of the Green Gemstone

The Nuagaon Mine is among the largest iron ore leases in Odisha, spanning approximately 767 hectares. It was awarded to JSW Steel in February 2020 during India’s mineral auction reforms. With an estimated reserve of over 790 million metric tons of high-grade iron ore, the mine is a crucial input source for JSW’s integrated steel plants in Vijayanagar and Dolvi. Its proximity to rail links, highways and JSW’s upcoming slurry pipeline project enhances its logistical efficiency while reducing transport emissions.

Environmental Engineering Embracing Emissions Evasion

From inception, the Nuagaon Mine has been developed under an environmentally sensitive blueprint. State-of-the-art dust suppression systems, rainwater harvesting structures, effluent treatment plants and green belt development have been installed across the mine. The site maintains air quality standards through constant monitoring, while deploying electric and hybrid mining equipment in phased manner to curtail fossil fuel dependency.

Sustainable Synergies Through Scientific Stewardship

The 4-star rating conferred upon the mine was based on a stringent multi-criteria evaluation conducted by an expert jury panel. Parameters included air and water pollution control, noise mitigation, energy use optimisation, solid waste management, biodiversity enhancement, safety standards and social responsibility. The mine’s reforestation efforts have seen the plantation of over 100,000 native trees, aiding carbon sequestration and revitalising local ecosystems.

Corporate Conscience Cultivating Community Cohesion

Beyond its environmental initiatives, JSW Steel has made major contributions to local development through its Corporate Social Responsibility programs. In the Nuagaon region, the company supports healthcare facilities, builds rural infrastructure, enhances digital literacy and provides skill training for local youth. It has established partnerships with NGOs to implement village development plans, further integrating its operations into the social fabric of the region.

Global Goals Guiding Grassroots Growth

This recognition of the Nuagaon Mine underscores a broader industry transformation, where sustainability is no longer optional but imperative. The award aligns JSW Steel with the national and global shift toward low-emission industrial growth. As India intensifies its net-zero ambitions and transitions to green manufacturing, mines like Nuagaon serve as exemplary templates of how economic development can co-exist with environmental responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

• JSW Steel’s Nuagaon Mine received the Kalinga Environmental Excellence National Award 2024 with a 4-star rating for its sustainable mining practices.

• The mine spans 767 hectares in Odisha’s Keonjhar district and holds over 790 million metric tons of iron ore reserves.

• Initiatives such as reforestation, rainwater harvesting and eco-friendly machinery contributed to the mine’s recognition at the national conclave.