Star Cement’s mine wins top honour at MEMC Week 2024-25

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 29, 2025

The concluding ceremony of the 14th Mines Environment & Mineral Conservation (MEMC) Week 2024-25 was held on March 28, at Star Public School, located within the premises of Star Cement Limited in Lumshnong Village, East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the mining sector in Northeast India and was graced by Peeyush Narayan Sharma, Controller General (In-charge), Indian Bureau of Mines, as the Chief Guest. Shailendra Kumar, Controller of Mines (Eastern Zone), Indian Bureau of Mines, Kolkata, attended as the Guest of Honour. Also present were Sandeep Kumar Singh, Regional Controller of Mines, Guwahati Region, and other dignitaries from participating mining companies.

Organised by the Indian Bureau of Mines, Guwahati Region, under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, the MEMC Week was observed from February 3 to 10, 2025. A total of 14 mining companies from across Northeast India took part in this initiative, aimed at encouraging responsible mining practices and raising awareness about environmental protection and mineral conservation.

The week-long event featured a series of competitions under various categories including Afforestation, Waste Dump Management, Systematic & Scientific Development, Mineral Conservation, Environmental Monitoring, Sustainable Development, Khan Swachhta Sanskriti, and Publicity & Propaganda. These activities served to assess and reward the efforts of mining operations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

The highlight of the concluding function was the announcement of the overall prize winners. In the category of mines above 10 hectares, the first prize was awarded to Lumshnong Limestone Mine of Star Cement Limited, the second prize went to Nongtrai Limestone Mine of Lafarge Umiam Mining Pvt. Ltd., and the third prize was secured by Umsoo Mootang Limestone Mine (Block-V) of Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited. In the category of mines below 10 hectares, the first prize was won by Umtyra Limestone & Clay Mine of Goldstone Cement Ltd., while the second prize went to Khliehjari Limestone Mine of Meghalaya Cements Limited.

The MEMC Week continues to serve as a vital platform for promoting best practices in mining operations, with a focus on balancing development and environmental stewardship. The enthusiastic participation and high standards observed this year underline the industry’s growing commitment to sustainable and scientific mining.