Restoration of Hindalco's Samri bauxite mines as ecological sanctuaries

Samri Bauxite mines of Hindalco don't portray a large, red, rugged landscape with dust flying all around. This reclaimed mining land has been thoughtfully redesigned to foster new livelihoods and lifestyles. Over 6 hectares of mined-out land have been converted into a tea garden, biodiversity park, and grove.

The Samri Bauxite mines in the Balrampur district of Chhattisgarh are an exceptional example of sustainable mining by Aditya Birla Group's metal flagship Hindalco Industries Limited. On mined-out land, the company has undertaken some ambitious projects to restore ecological sanctity.

The Samri Tea Project is one example that flourished over 2 hectares of land, where Hindalco has invested in planting 16,000 tea saplings. However, the next target is to develop it into a full-grown tea garden by 2026. Hindalco is leading the way in sustainable mining practices by growing tea in a mining area and employing local people. The company has engaged two self-help group members to carry out this project within the specified time frame.

Additionally, 2.6 hectares of mined land developed into a grassy Aditya Park. This park succours as a rest and recreation spot for inhabitants and is an excellent attraction for children and senior citizens to spend quality time amidst greens and the quiet of nature.

The Samri Bio Park, already under construction on 1.8 acres, aims to promote mining tourism in the region and strengthen the state's status as a tourist destination.

Bijesh Jha, Head-Hindalco Bauxite Vertical, said, "The efforts are aligned with the Aditya Birla Group's purpose of enriching lives by giving back to society more than what the company receives. These projects are testimony not just to Chhattisgarh's might as a mining giant but also an exploration of the latent potential of mined-out land in the state."

"At Hindalco, we are in favour of sustainable mining, and our aim and objective is to make the mined-out land so useful that it continues to reap benefits for the community in the coming decades," added Jha.

Samri Bauxite mines have been awarded a five-star rating for sustainable mine management by the Ministry of Mines and the Indian Bureau of Mines in FY 2021-22. Lately, the Samri unit received the Tata Steel Award for Sustainable Mining under the FIMI Award – 2021-22 for its efforts toward biodiversity conservation and sustainable mining.