Bhubaneswar / New Delhi, Nov 11 (Mayank Nigam) Union Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt on Monday urged that the concept of “mining with conscience” should become the new guiding theme for the coal sector. Dutt, who was on a two-day tour of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), addressed a gathering of senior officers and employees at a special event organised at Sambalpur as part of Coal India’s Golden Jubilee Year celebrations. He introduced the concept of “mining with conscience” while emphasising the need for responsible mining practices that align with India’s ambitious growth targets and its energy needs. Dutta praised Team MCL for its continuous growth in production, stating, “MCL is the bedrock of performance within Coal India,” and commended its contributions during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The concept of “mining with conscience” should become the new guiding theme for the coal sector, focusing on sustainable development while addressing both environmental and social concerns, he said. The Coal secretary also urged that the initiative aims to ensure that India’s progress in energy production does not come at the cost of its natural resources or local communities. Chairman of Coal India, P M Prasad lauded Team MCL for their outstanding performance over the years. He emphasised the importance of sustainability initiatives and diversification as essential strategies to prepare for the evolving business landscape. During his visit, Dutt chaired a review meeting of MCL in Sambalpur and toured key mining operations, including the Lakhanpur Area and Ib Valley Washery in Jharsuguda district, Odisha. Among PM Prasad, Chairman of Coal India, Uday A. Kaole, CMD of MCL, S. K. Kassi, Joint Secretary (Coal), MCL’s senior management, former directors, and representatives from trade unions were present at the meeting. In his welcome address, A. Kaole reaffirmed MCL’s commitment to continuous performance excellence.