ESG Champions of India 2024

ESG Champions of India 2024 | 23 [ EXPERTS VIEW ] IN WHAT SPECIFIC WAYS DOES NMDC LIMITED INTEGRATE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS INTO ITS MINING OPERATIONS AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT? In our pursuit of Responsible Mining, technology and innovation has been instrumental in transforming NMDC into an eco-conscious and energy efficient mining company. Simple measures such as using dust- suppression solutions, enclosure of transfer houses and geo coir matting have gone a long way in building mines that are sustainable and 5 Star Rated. While transitioning towards greener and cleaner sources of energy, we are conscientiously monitoring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption, which has enabled a reduction of our total per tonne GHG emission intensity by 24% in the last decade. Aligned with the national goal of creating carbon sinks, NMDC conducts afforestation drives, ecological monitoring and is collaborating with State Forest Departments for Green Action Plans. Efficient use of resources, minimizing waste, and ensuring biodiversity conservation have been serving our commitment to meet the Sustainable Development Goals set for the industry and the nation. HOW DOES THE COMPANY’S COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY TRANSLATE INTO ITS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT INITIATIVES AND PRACTICES? At NMDC, CSR is a thoughtful investment in initiatives that can bring a purposeful and lasting impact. We are committed to contribute to the social and economic growth, cultural and environmental preservation, and building a better and brighter future for those living around our mines. What makes the social initiatives of NMDC unique is that we identify the needs and concerns of people, engage with local representatives and then come up with CSR interventions. Recognized as a model Public Sector Enterprise in CSR, our Stakeholder Consultation Mechanism has been endorsed by the Department of Public Enterprises for emulation by other CPSEs. It is this approach that gave way to the Education City, Hospital on Wheels, Sports Academies, building the infrastructure that ensures education, healthcare and opportunities for all. HOW DOES THE COMPANY MEASURE THE PROGRESS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ITS ESG INITIATIVES, AND HOW DOES THIS INFORMATION APPRISE FUTURE STRATEGIES? We have outlined Key Performance Indicators to assess the progress and efficacy of our environmental, social and governance practices. These KPIs encompass metrics on carbon emissions, water consumption, community engagement, employee well-being, safety records and vigilance structures among others. NMDC duly complies to the international ESG Reporting Frameworks and engages in third party evaluations and ratings with industry peers. We diligently integrate the valuable feedback from stakeholders into our ESG endeavors, aligning them with our vision to become a global environment friendly mining company with a positive thrust on social development. Our ESG initiatives are seamlessly woven into the fabric of our company’s overall business goals, central to decision making, risk management, strategic investment and future planning. Amitava Mukherjee CMD (Addl. Charge) NMDC Limited Dun & Bradstreet