Tata Iron and Steel Company’s Sukinda Chromite Mine in Orissa became the first mine in the world to be conferred with the prestigious SA: 8000:2001 Certification by the Social Accountability International (SAI), USA. The Social Accountability 8000:2001 certification is a global verifiable standard for managing the work place in a most effective manner by improving the working conditions, a release stated. 

The standard assesses performance on issues of engagement / support of child labour, young worker and forced labour, health and safety, freedom of association and collective burgaining, discrimination, disciplinary practices, working hours, compensation / remuneration in an organisation including suppliers and contractors. 

Mining industry was not covered by the SAI earlier but Tata Steel’s practice in managing and improvement in the condition of work place forced SAI to take up SCM as a pilot case, it added. A core team was formed at SCM to achieve this certification. The team was responsible for identifying the existing gaps and took all necessary steps to bridge the gaps by implementing the programmes. Special emphasis was laid on conducting the socio-economic survey of the community around the mine and focus on wage payment and other facilities to the contract workmen.