Measuring Our Success

Sustainable Mining

JSW Steel is committed to social, economic, and environmental excellence. Our mines have undergone extensive reclamation and rehabilitation, earning a minimum 4-star rating from the Indian Bureau of Mines. We integrate responsible mining practices across our value chain, focusing on safety, transparency, and the long-term sustainability of the ecosystems and communities where we operate.

Tailings Management at Vijayanagar

Our Tailings Management Area (TMA) is engineered for maximum safety and minimal environmental footprint.

Engineered for Safety and Sustainability

The TMA features a well-maintained, lined tailings pond system that receives tailings in slurry form from our ore beneficiation plant. These tailings, primarily composed of low-grade iron ore, are stored securely, while excess water (supernatant) is efficiently recycled back to the beneficiation process—ensuring minimal water wastage.

Constructed on a geosyncline with a hard, impervious rock base, the site has undergone rigorous geophysical, hydrogeological, and environmental assessments, including TCLP testing and a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by reputed agencies such as MECON and Richardson & Cruddas.

Tailings Management
Facility Operational Status & Process Flow
Pond 1 Pond 1 is currently undergoing dredging operations. The extracted tailings paste is sent to the Slime Recovery Plant (SRP), where iron-bearing material with >45% Fe content is recovered. This high-grade material is then forwarded to the Pellet Plant for palletization.
Pond 2 The residual tailings from the SRP, containing <45% Fe, are transferred to Pond 2 for secure storage. This ensures efficient segregation and management of low-grade material.
Pond 3 Pond 3 receives fresh tailings directly from the ore beneficiation plant. These tailings are thickened for paste transportation, and dewatering is carried out to enhance the stability of the bunds, ensuring structural integrity and environmental safety.

Asset Closure Management

Integration of Mine Closure from Feasibility Stage

All our current mining operations are active; however, we recognize that successful mine closure is a fundamental aspect of responsible mining. As such, we incorporate mine closure planning from the feasibility stage of every new mining project. This ensures that closure strategies are integrated into the project lifecycle from the outset, supporting long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

Development of Comprehensive Closure Plans with Stakeholders

We develop comprehensive and progressive mine closure plans in collaboration with key stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations.

Measurable Performance Targets in Sustainability Areas

Each closure plan contains a set of measurable performance targets, jointly developed and agreed upon with stakeholders, covering sustainability-related areas.

Sustainability Targets

Trigger-Based and Periodic Closure Plan Reviews

To maintain the relevance and effectiveness of our closure plans, we conduct formal reviews with stakeholders whenever significant events occur such as permit changes, mine expansions, or EIA reviews. This ensures our plans remain adaptive and compliant with evolving requirements.

Regular Review of Closure Scope and Cost Estimates

We undertake regular internal reviews to ensure that the scope of work and cost estimates for closure and post-closure activities are comprehensive, current, and incorporate new technologies and best practices.

Annual Review of Long-Term Liabilities

We conduct annual evaluations of long-term reclamation and closure liabilities, either internally or externally, to ensure financial preparedness and identify areas for improvement.

Concurrent Reclamation During Operations

To minimize long-term closure liabilities, we implement concurrent reclamation during active mining operations. This allows us to progressively rehabilitate disturbed areas, reducing environmental impacts and supporting smoother final closure.

Community Engagement and Social Impact Mitigation

We conduct social baseline studies and impact assessments to understand the socio-economic and environmental implications of mine closure. These inform mitigation plans that address potential risks and ensure community well-being.

Community Development and Economic Diversification

We support community resilience through vocational and skills training programs and collaborate with economic diversification initiatives to promote alternative industries such as agriculture and small businesses, fostering long-term economic stability.

Divestment Protocols and Financial Safeguards

In the event of divestment, we ensure that:

  • A formal agreement is established with the purchaser, requiring them to meet a minimum set of mine closure obligations.
  • Financial provisions are made to ensure closure commitments are fulfilled and the divesting entity is protected from future liabilities.

Acid Mine Drainage Management

At JSW, we are committed to sustainable mining practices that prioritize environmental protection and long-term ecological balance. A key aspect of our environmental strategy is the proactive identification and management of Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) risks.

Proactive Assessment During Exploration

In alignment with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, we assess the potential for ARD during the exploration phase of all our mining projects. Based on these assessments, a comprehensive mining plan is developed to ensure that any potential environmental impacts are addressed early in the project lifecycle.

Feasibility-Phase Planning

If acid-generating rock is identified, a detailed ARD Management Plan is formulated during the feasibility phase. This plan spans the entire lifecycle of the mine—from the commencement of operations through to closure – and ensures that ARD risks are managed effectively from both a technical and economic standpoint.

Integrated ARD Mitigation Measures

Our ARD Management Plans include:

Integrated ARD Mitigation Measures

We also adopt industry best practices such as:

  • Employing alternative mining methods to minimize exposure of sulfide-bearing rock
  • Capping waste rock piles with impermeable layers to prevent water infiltration
  • Installing drainage and treatment systems to manage ARD
  • Reclaiming disturbed or abandoned sites to prevent future ARD formation

Regulatory Compliance and Assurance

All JSW mining operations are fully compliant with applicable local environmental regulations. Our site-specific assessments have confirmed that none of our mining locations currently contain materials that are acid-generating or metal-leaching. This ensures that our operations remain environmentally sound and aligned with our commitment to responsible resource development.