On the occasion of World Water Day, observed under the theme ‘Water for Peace’, Vedanta Aluminium, the largest producer of aluminium in India, has announced a significant achievement in water conservation. During the fiscal year 2024, the company has successfully recycled more than 15 billion liters of water across its various operations. To put this into perspective, this volume is roughly equivalent to the capacity of 6,000 Olympic-size swimming pools.
This initiative has also led to the restoration of over 60 water bodies in rural communities where the company operates, with 47 in Korba, Chhattisgarh, 10 in Jharsuguda, Odisha, and 3 in Lanjigarh, Odisha. This effort highlights Vedanta Aluminium’s dedication to creating water-resilient communities. As part of its commitment to becoming Net Water Positive by 2030, the company has achieved an impressive 11% reduction in freshwater withdrawal.
Additionally, Vedanta Aluminium has introduced three significant water management initiatives. These include the ‘Sangam’ project, an Integrated Watershed & Livelihood project, aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities through water-based assets in Lanjigarh, Kalahandi district, Odisha. This initiative will benefit over 22,000 people by providing year-round water for drinking and agricultural purposes, as well as irrigation for over 3,500 acres of cultivated land.
At its mining operations in Jamkhani, Sundargarh, Odisha, the company has constructed rainwater storage facilities, including two ponds with a combined annual holding capacity of 1.4 lakh cubic meters. These ponds will serve as vital reservoirs for capturing and conserving rainwater, ensuring its availability during dry periods, and aiding groundwater recharge. Meanwhile, at BALCO, located in Korba, Chhattisgarh, the company has installed a Clarifier & Filtration System to treat coal-mixed water, contributing to the treatment and reuse of over 1.46 million cubic meters of water annually within the plant.
Furthermore, Vedanta Aluminium has reduced water consumption by utilizing ashwater generated within its operations through recirculation in its fly ash handling plant, potentially saving 1 million cubic meters of water annually. John Slaven, the CEO of Vedanta Aluminium, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to efficient water management, highlighting its integral role in sustaining the planet. He articulated Vedanta Aluminium’s vision for a sustainable future, stressing the essential nature of water and the crucial need for responsible water management practices.
The company aims to achieve net water positivity by 2030, aligning with global calls for better water stewardship. To support this vision, Vedanta Aluminium organized various activities aimed at fostering responsible water management and water conservation across its operations in Chhattisgarh and Odisha. These initiatives included excavating, cleaning, and desilting 60 community ponds, along with constructing 6 check-dams with community participation.
The company also conducted educational activities such as expert-led webinars and workshops on water conservation and utilization plans. Employee volunteers actively participated in pond restoration efforts, rejuvenating existing rainwater harvesting structures. Additionally, engaging activities such as short film screenings, quizzes, slogan creation, and poster making were organized in schools to raise awareness among community members and employees.
Collaborative efforts with agricultural authorities aimed to educate local farmers on efficient irrigation methods, while community rallies on water conservation underscored a collective commitment to sustainable practices. Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, holds the distinction of being India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing over half of the country’s aluminium production, totaling 2.29 million tonnes in FY23. The company is recognized for its leadership in value-added aluminium products critical to core industries.
Vedanta Aluminium’s top ranking in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 underscores its commitment to sustainable development. Through its world-class facilities in India, including aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants, Vedanta Aluminium is at the forefront of promoting aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow. Vedanta Aluminium, a division of Vedanta Limited, stands out as India’s primary aluminium producer, responsible for over half of the nation’s aluminium output, totaling 2.29 million tonnes in FY23.
Known for its excellence in manufacturing value-added aluminium products, the company’s offerings play a crucial role in various core industries. In the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023, Vedanta Aluminium secured the top spot globally among aluminium industry players, highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices. Through its cutting-edge aluminium smelters, alumina refinery, and power plants located in India, Vedanta Aluminium is actively driving the adoption of aluminium in new and innovative ways, positioning it as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a more environmentally conscious future.