Mangaluru: On February 16, 2024, the Department of Mining Engineering at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, organized the inauguration ceremony for the International Conference titled “Mining for a Greener Future: Technological Developments and Sustainable Practices (ICMFGP-2024)” at LHC-C, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal.
More than 500 participants attended the event. The conference served as a platform to share knowledge, insights, and experiences in mining engineering, covering exploration, extraction, processing, beneficiation, environmental management, safety, and social responsibility.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by the esteemed Chief Guest, Manoj Kumar, CMD, Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited.
The guests of honour were Jayavibhava Swamy, IAS, Managing Director, Karnataka State Minerals Corporation Limited, and Deo Kumar, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety, South Zone, Bengaluru.
The conference was under the patronage of Prof. Ravi, Director, NITK. Other dignitaries present included Prof. Harsha Vardhan, Conference Chairman and Head of the Mining Department, Conference Conveners Prof. M Aruna and Prof. M. Govinda Raj.
In his speech, the Chief Guest, Manoj Kumar, said, “Today, as we stand at the precipice of a new era in greener mining, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that our actions today do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. We must strive to make sustainability the cornerstone of our operations, from exploration to rehabilitation.”
“This means adopting practices that minimize environmental impact, promote biodiversity conservation, and uphold the rights and well-being of local communities. Let us harness the power of innovation and collaboration to pave the way for a greener future in the mining industry.”
The Guest of Honour, Jayavibhava Swamy, expressed, “As we delve deeper into the earth in search of precious resources, we must also rise to the challenge of ensuring that our actions do not adversely impact the environment or the communities that we serve.”
“I am pleased to express our willingness to collaborate with NITK in various areas, including infrastructure development, labs, equipment, and providing internships and training for students. Together, we can explore new avenues in the field of mining engineering and contribute to a Greener and sustainable future.”
Another Guest of Honour, Deo Kumar, stated, “In the face of climate change and environmental degradation, it is imperative that we innovate and adapt our mining technologies. I am confident that NITK will play a significant role in this endeavor and contribute to the field of mining engineering. Our directorate general is open for any collaboration and support to contribute to this journey.”
In the presidential address, Prof. B Ravi, Director, NITK, said, ” This gathering is a clear demonstration of our dedication to fostering sustainable innovation in the realm of mining. I implore the budding intellects among us today to let their imaginations soar without bounds.
“Let’s utilize this platform to ideate and envision a greener future. Collectively, we have the power to mold the future of mining into one that is environmentally friendly, sustainable, and advantageous for everyone.”
The souvenir of the international conference was released by the dignitaries. Felicitations were done for two noteworthy personalities, Dr G R Adhikari, a renowned Mining Engineer, and Prakash, a seasoned mining professional with over three decades of experience in the field.
The conference is supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GOI, Ministry of Mines, GOI, Ministry of Coal, Department of Mines and Geology, Govt. of Karnataka, Coal India Limited (CIL), among others.
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