Jamkhani coal mine in Sundargarh, Odisha, operated by Vedanta Aluminium, has been awarded a 4-star rating by the Ministry of Coal for its performance during the 2023–24 financial year. Scoring 83 out of 100 in the government’s assessment, the mine stands out among India’s top performers, just two years after beginning operations.
This rating, part of an initiative launched in 2019, evaluates coal mines based on several factors, including environmental safeguards, worker safety, technological upgrades, legal compliance, and social impact. The rating framework encourages more responsible and efficient mining practices across the sector.
The Jamkhani coal mine plays a crucial role in strengthening India’s energy security by reducing the need for imported coal. As part of a broader strategy to build a self-reliant domestic supply chain, the mine supports Vedanta’s efforts to fully integrate its aluminium production—from raw materials to finished metal—within the country. This integration helps stabilize supply, manage costs, and enhance operational control across the value chain.
Since becoming operational in November 2022, the mine has prioritized sustainable practices to minimize its environmental footprint while improving operational efficiency. A key focus has been the responsible management of natural resources, particularly water. The site features real-time monitoring systems and rooftop rainwater harvesting with a capacity of 4,200 kilolitres. Additionally, nearly 100,000 cubic metres of groundwater recharge capacity has been developed through ponds, supported by settling ponds and observation wells.
Land restoration and ecological balance have also been integral to the mine’s development. Efforts to manage topsoil and promote biological reclamation are complemented by adherence to ISO:9001 quality standards. A large-scale afforestation project, using the Miyawaki method, aims to restore biodiversity through the planting of over 365,000 native trees and shrubs across 18 hectares. This initiative is expected to create a thriving greenbelt and act as a natural buffer around the mine.
Incorporating technology into daily operations has been another priority. The mine has deployed a suite of digital tools designed to enhance safety and productivity. These include drone-based blasting zone checks, digital dashboards for real-time performance tracking, and the Time-in-Use Model (TUM) to optimize equipment usage and coal dispatch. These systems help streamline operations while maintaining high safety and environmental standards.
Together, these initiatives position the Jamkhani mine as a model for modern, sustainable mining in India. Its strategic importance lies not just in meeting industrial coal needs, but in doing so through environmentally conscious methods and innovative technologies. As a result, it contributes meaningfully to national goals of energy independence and industrial growth with minimal ecological disruption.
Jamkhani is the first privately developed greenfield coal mine in Odisha under India’s auction-based regime. It supplies fuel to Vedanta’s aluminium smelter in Jharsuguda—one of the world’s largest single-location smelting facilities.
Vedanta Aluminium is India’s largest aluminium manufacturer, producing 2.42 million tonnes in FY2025. The company is known for its range of high-quality, value-added aluminium products used in critical infrastructure and industrial applications. It ranks second globally in the aluminium industry in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. With operations that include aluminium smelters, a refinery, and power plants, the company aims to support broader industrial innovation and low-carbon technologies through its products.
