Responsible mining the Hindalco way

Hindalco is the world's largest aluminium rolling company and one of the biggest producers of primary aluminium in Asia. With sustainability embedded deep in its operational ethos, Hindalco has adopted green practices to minimise the impact of its operations – especially mining – and, to protect the environment and safeguard the interests of communities living near the mines.

Hindalco’s sustainable mining framework covers a wide spectrum – from restoration and reclamation of mined-out areas, development of green belts, and protection of biodiversity to topsoil conservation, rainwater harvesting and reduction of groundwater consumption. The framework also focuses on reducing the impact of operations on communities. The company follows the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007, to minimise the impact on communities affected.

Roadmap for responsible mining

For creating sustainable value, Hindalco has developed a sustainable mining charter which serves as a roadmap to integrate sustainability into its mining operations. Under the charter, a robust governance mechanism has been set up to enhance participation, transparency, accountability and continuous improvement.

Focus on biodiversity protection

In 2018, the Aditya Birla Group adopted a Corporate Biodiversity Policy and Technical Standard, which guides group-wide efforts to protect biodiversity and promote ecosystem conservation. The Standard calls for biodiversity screenings to gauge site biodiversity sensitivity at operational locations.  

A comprehensive biodiversity assessment was carried out across Utkal Alumina Refinery, Aditya Aluminium, Baphlimali Bauxite Mines and Gare Palma Coal Mine for effective implementation of the biodiversity policy. Additionally, biodiversity studies and wildlife conservation plans were carried out at eight mine sites.

Proximity analyses have been conducted at all 48 plants and mine sites of Hindalco using the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool to identify rare, endangered and threatened flora and fauna in the vicinity of these locations. Of the 48 sites, nine were classified as high priority sites and 23 as having ‘medium exposure to proximity’ to critical biodiversity. Of the 33 total mines, 11 mines were non-operational. Meanwhile, all 15 manufacturing sites are operational and comply with all legal requirements.

Hindalco has also partnered the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to prepare Biodiversity Management Plans (BMPs) for its sites. Based on priority, three sites will be selected every year to develop site-specific BMPs.

Planting 3 million trees

Hindalco has chalked out green belt development plans at 10 of its operational plants. The green belt spans 4,672.2 acres and currently has over 3.1 million trees.

Flora at Aditya Aluminium

Comprehensive studies have been conducted in partnership with IUCN at Aditya Aluminium’s site at Lapanga in Odisha’s Sambalpur district. The site is home to hundreds of plant species. The management also supports programmes for bird and reptile conservation.

Butterflies and birds at Kathautia

Nearly 110,000 saplings have been planted at Hindalco’s Kathautia open cast mine in Jharkhand. Organic mulching is being practiced and a drip irrigation system has been installed to ensure survival of the saplings. As a result, the saplings have a survival rate of 94.5%.

The mine area also hosts 50 species of birds including migratory ones. Butterflies and various mammals and birds thrive in the man-made forest.

Muri's green cover

Hindalco’s residential colony in Muri, Jharkhand, is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. A pond within the colony is home to swans and a variety of ducks. The green cover in the colony serves as a sink to capture an assortment of pollutants.

Orchards at Bagru

A 5.5-hectare area at Bagru mines in Jharkhand has been restored and a bio-park developed on it. The bio-park comprises a butterfly garden, a spice garden, ponds for commercial fishery, a duck farm, and orchards. Agro-based activities provide livelihoods for the local community.

Microbes for the soil

Micro-organisms can play an important role in breaking down nutrients and helping plants grow better. Hindalco has undertaken a project to ascertain the role of beneficial microbes such as Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizobacteria in the growth of crops. The project is being conducted on an experimental basis at Hindalco's coal and bauxite mines in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Hindalco’s sustainable mining practices have helped the company reduce the damage caused to the environment, and serve as a role model for others.

Source- Hindalco Integrated Annual Report 2020-21