Sukinda: As global industries grapple with water scarcity, Tata Steel is redefining the environmental landscape of Jajpur’s mining belt. By deploying high-capacity Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and cutting-edge IoT monitoring, the steel major is transforming the Sukinda region into a model for responsible water stewardship.
The initiative integrates advanced industrial purification with community-focused water security, ensuring that mining operations coexist harmoniously with the local ecosystem.
High-Capacity Treatment Infrastructure
At the heart of the operation lies a massive water treatment network designed to handle both industrial runoff and surface effluents.
- Sukinda Chromite Mine: Features a flagship 4,500 KL/hr ETP that treats water for safe discharge or industrial reuse.
- Saruabil Chromite Mine: A newly commissioned 1,200 KL/hr ETP now supplements the existing 380 KL/hr unit.
- Sustainability Goal: Treated water is systematically diverted for horticulture and dust suppression, significantly reducing the mines’ freshwater intake.
Digital Innovation: The Smart Water Circuit
Tata Steel has moved beyond traditional monitoring by digitalizing its entire water lifecycle. In collaboration with FluxGen Sustainable Technologies, the company has implemented a Smart Water Management System.
Key features of the digital overhaul include:
- IoT Integration: Sensors track water flow and quality parameters in real-time.
- Data Analytics: Automated dashboards accessible via mobile and web apps allow for immediate intervention to prevent wastage.
- Scientific Transparency: Sensor data undergoes routine verification by NABL-accredited third-party laboratories to ensure strict compliance with Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) norms.
From Industrial Use to Community Consumption
The company is expanding its footprint into public health by constructing onsite 50 cubic meter per hour Water Treatment Plants (WTP) at the Saruabil and Kamarda mines. Unlike ETPs that handle waste, these WTPs will further purify water to potable standards for local community consumption.
“Water is a shared resource, and its protection is a shared responsibility,” stated the Executive-In-Charge of the Ferro Alloys and Minerals Division (FAMD). “Our investments in digital monitoring reflect Tata Steel’s dedication to ensuring our communities continue to thrive.”
