NMDC has been trying to create a new culture in conservation of natural resources and their officers are more sensitized towards mineral conservation, said R K Singh, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chhattisgarh on Wednesday. "We are thankful to NMDC for contributing in the growth of Chhattisgarh" he said while delivering address as a chief guest at the valedictory session of the two-day national seminar on “Responsible Mining in New Paradigm and Growth & Investment opportunities for Mining and Steel in Mineral Rich states” organized by NMDC in association with FICCI here. The two-day seminar saw 18 technical research papers presented and three panel discussions were conducted on the theme of the seminar. Singh also stressed upon optimum utilization of natural resources with eco friendly techniques. Natural resources which we got from our older generation shall be handed over to our next generations in a responsible way. In his welcome address, Dr NK Nanda, Director (Technical), NMDC gave the details of MoUs signed with NIT, Raipur and CHIPS which will enhance and encourage the use of digital technology in Mining. NMDC is an eco friendly miner and utilizing latest technologies such as single flight downhill conveyor at Donimalai, Karnataka. Pelletisation from slimes started in Donimalai. With the mission of zero effect, zero defect and zero waste which will reduce the impact on environment, he said. PK Satpathy, Director (Production), NMDC and convener of the Seminar said these two days of knowledge sharing on responsible mining in new paradigm has set new goals. Prof. S Jayatu from NIT Rourkela said that all the issues related to responsible mining were covered and deliberated in detail and also stressed upon safety aspects. Without safety, responsible Mining cannot be achieved. He congratulated team NMDC for its 60 years glorious journey of excellence and achieving five star rating by IBM for all of its major mines. NMDC is a role model for other mining companies, he said. Former CMD, NMDC, PR Tripathi said that very few companies have tried to be responsible. Mining engineers are not just the material handler, but they should be responsible to the society and environment. We should promote the beneficiation of low grade iron ore and technology to be evolved for utilization of rejects. Lot of research work is to be done and various technologies is to be come out. Though profit is important, but responsible Mining is much more important, he said. SS Bajaj, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chhattisgarh, emphasized on the environment friendly mining. He also gave examples of some of the best practices adopted by NMDC in its project area, which should be imbibed by other mining companies. Vote of thanks was given by AK Shukla, Executive Director, BIOM-Bacheli complex and Chairman of the National Seminar.