New Delhi: The Panchpatmali Central and North Block Bauxite Mines of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) have been conferred with the 5-star rating by the Ministry of Mines, in a stringent evaluation process taken up by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM). The 5-star rating award, along with the certificate of excellence was presented by Union Minister for Coal & Mines Pralhad Joshi in the presence of Minister of State for Coal Raosaheb Patil Danve, Ministry of Mines' Secretary Alok Tandon (IAS) and Additional Secretary (Mines) Sanjay Lohiya (IAS). On behalf of NALCO, the coveted award was received by NALCO's Director (Production) Bijay Kumar Das during the 6th National Conclave on Mines and Mineral held in New Delhi.

NALCO received the award for its efforts and initiatives undertaken in the implementation of the sustainable development framework (SDF). The SDF includes scientific and efficient mining, implementation of best practices in mining operations, rehabilitation & reclamation of mined out area, environment protection, as also various steps taken in healthcare, skill and peripheral development.

Congratulating the Mines collective, NALCO's CMD Sridhar Patra said, "This award is a testimony of our deep commitment towards sustainable and eco-friendly mining, which is at the core of our mining operations." He further said that the award is the result of the dedicated and committed teamwork of our Mining employees and management, coupled with the best practices being followed in our mining activities.

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