Bengaluru, Karnataka: May 23rd 2025: Vedanta Sesa Goa – Iron Ore Karnataka has been recognised for championing action against the usage of ‘Single Use Plastic’ (SUP), underscoring the Company’s focus on driving holistic sustainability & in ensuring adherence to global standards. Vedanta IOK has been certified as a ‘Single-Use Plastic Free Operation’ mining site, thus becoming one of the first mining operation sites in India to achieve this milestone.
This certification, issued by the Indian Register Quality Systems (IRQS), a division of IRCLASS Systems and Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (ISSPL), was authorised by Shashi Nath Mishra, Chief Operating Officer, ISSPL, and recognizes Vedanta Sesa Goa’s unwavering commitment to eliminating SUP across its operations, from administrative offices to mining sites. The development is in line with the World Environment Day 2025 theme – ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, with a focus on ending plastic pollution.
On receiving the certification, Shrishaila Gouda, CEO, Vedanta – IOK said, “I am extremely proud of the ‘Single-use plastic’ certification received by Vedanta – IOK & congratulate the entire team for achieving te same. Over the years, we at Vedanta IOK, have demonstrated continuous commitment towards environmental sustainability through cleanliness awareness sessions, sapling plantations, deployment of EVs & water conservation. We are proud to lead by example & will continue to progress our efforts for fostering a more sustainable Planet.”
To qualify for the presitigious certifications, Company’s go through a rigorous audit & Vedanta IOK successfully implemented a multi-pronged strategy for elimination of SUP. Actions that were taken included biurcation of plastic waste and a ban on Single-use plastics, replacing plastic packaging with biodegradable alternatives, plastic tumblers with ceramic and steel tumblers, plastic & paper plates with ceramic plates, plastic bubble wrap with paper bubble wraps or air pillows for packaging, installing water refill stations to eliminate bottled water, and conducting awareness drives and sessions for employees and local communities.
As a part of sustainability efforts, Vedanta IOK has gradually adopted RE, onboarded EVs for commute & also introduced EV wheel loaders, consistently carried out water conservation & plantation drives. The ongoing campaign across Vedanta Sesa Goa – ‘IronWill4GreenerPlanet’ – is spreading awareness among both internal & external stakeholders.
The SUP free certification of Vedanta IOK is a step towards IOK becoming a green mining site, and the team is now focused on promoting circular economy models, boosting green innovations, and driving large-scale behavioural change towards environmental protection.
