Commitment to employee welfare to ensure quality of life, focus on safety and occupational health, efforts for training and skill enhancements and sustaining mind through empowerment and education… this is the story of the Jharia Division of Tata Steel that celebrated its 100th year of sustainable mining (1910-2009) today at Jharia.

The function began with a tribute to Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, Founder of Tata Steel and the legend who dared to dream ahead of his time and set up a steel plant in India. Jharia was discovered by Mr. Charles Page Perin, an eminent consulting engineer (who came to India on the request of J N Tata) who declared that the best quality coking coal in India could be obtained from Jharia.

Mr. Ch Diwakar, General Manager, Jharia Division gave the welcome address at the function wherein he acknowledged the contributions made by the former stalwarts in the development of Jharia over the last 100 years. He elaborated on the achievements, accolades and recognitions won by the division which has been possible due to the efforts of the workers and employees of Jharia.

While addressing the gathering, Mr. H M Nerurkar, Chief Operating Officer, Tata Steel lauded the contribution by the people of Jharia. “After Jamshedpur Works, Jharia Division is the second unit of Tata Steel to have completed a century of existence. The hallmark of this colliery has been its sustained growth, efficiency and production capabilities. We are putting our best efforts to get more coal blocks in this area’, he said. He added, “I would like to congratulate each one of you on having won the Deming Application award and I would like to talk about the satisfaction expressed by the examiners on reviewing the way in which our company maintains its mines. After having received this award, our next step is to win the coveted Japan Quality Medal and for that we look forward to your support and assistance to make every operation of Tata Steel, a zero accident area.”

Mr. A M Misra, VP (Raw Material and Coke, Sinter and Iron), Tata Steel in his speech said that these mines have been performing brilliantly and producing efficiently for the last 100 years.

Shri. Santosh Mahto, Regional Secretary, Rashtriya Colliery Mazdoor Sangh (RCMS) spoke about the key role played by the Mine’s senior executives whose skilful direction coupled with the dedication of the employees and workers has made Jharia an example of sustainable mining.

A brochure that captures 100 years of sustainable mining at Jharia was also launched on this occasion. This brochure is not only a pictographic representation of the high quality standards of operations being followed at Jharia but it also captures the glorious history of the coal fields from 1910 when it became a part of Tata Steel. In addition to this, ex dignitaries and former GMs who have been associated with the Jharia Division for the last 100 years were also acknowledged at the function. They were felicitated for their contribution in taking the division to the high standards of work that it has achieved in the last 100 years. This was followed by the inauguration of the Archive Gallery at the colliery office building in Bhelatand. This creative gallery comprises of old and priced photographs of Jharia displayed on panels which trace the 100 year old journey of development and progress of the place.

Jharia Division, the underground mines of Tata Steel comprises of five collieries spread over 5500 acres and two coal beneficiation plants. The Bhelatand Colliery that is celebrating its centenary was acquired in 1910 by Tata Steel (formerly known as Tata Iron and steel Company) and thereafter in 1918; it acquired Malhera in Sijua as well as Jamadoba, Digwadih and 6&7 Pits collieries of the Jamadoba group.

The division produces steel grade prime coking coal and purifies it by the beneficiation process, at its two washeries. It has a raw coal production of 15.86 lakhs tonne (FY 08 – FY 09). Jharia Division’s sustainable mining continues to be the single most reason for the consistent growth and prosperity of Tata Steel, as it has contributed relentlessly to the expansion and growth projects initiated by the Company. In the years gone by, Jharia division has pioneered several technological innovations which have revolutionized underground coal mining in India. Coal mining and beneficiation in Jharia are a benchmark in mining in India. Environmentally efficient operations and cost effectiveness in the operations at the Jharia Division are some of the key highlights of the mining procedures there. It has become the first underground coal mines in the country to get OHSAS 18001:1999 certificate of approval from Indian Register Quality System (IRQS). The division is also the first underground coal mines to get EMS 14001:2004. Jharia division has been given this certificate of approval for its continued improvement to conform to the Occupational Health and Safety Management System specification and Environment management system Standards. It has also received the National Safety Award several times from The Honourable President of India for creating benchmarks in safety.

The centenary celebrations at Jharia, is a historical occasion for Tata Steel as it firmly exemplifies that Tata Steel has and always will work relentlessly to improve the quality and standards of the communities and the locations that it operates in. It marks the beginning of a new journey where the Company will contribute selflessly to nation building.