Karia Munda, minister of coal, Government of India, visited the Tata Steel pavilion for the inauguration of the 19th World Mining Expo 2003. The expo is being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from November 1-5, 2003. Mr Munda appreciated and lauded the efforts and achievements made by the company, especially its operational excellence in mining and social welfare services.

Mr Munda was impressed by Tata Steel's experience in scientific and sustainable mining, mine planning, development and research. The raw materials division of the company raises over 14 million tonnes of ore from its captive collieries, iron ore mines and quarries spread over the states of Jharkhand and Orissa. Coal, iron ore, manganese ore, chrome and dolomite are produced at various mines and quarries and supplied to the company's steel plant in Jamshedpur and other customers.

Tata Steel's mines and collieries proudly boast of numerous initiatives that it has undertaken to ensure ecological balance and preservation of the environment. All its mines are ISO-14001 Environmental Management System Certified.

The minister was shown how Tata Steel's business is guided by the philosophy of total returns to the community, "what comes from the people must be returned to them". In order to improve the quality of life of the people in the communities in which it operates, Tata Steel undertakes several socially responsible activities. The company through its Rural Development Society provides basic medical care, drinking water and guiding them in undertaking income generation schemes such as: pisciculture, poultry units, handicrafts, multi-cropping, etc. through self help groups. Some of the tribal youth have been spotted and nurtured into international level sports persons.

The Tata Steel pavilion, 'Mining: the CORE of Excellence at Tata Steel', displays the following:

• Tata Group: wealth creators

• Tata Steel: committed to excellence

• Intrepid explorers: the beginning of an era

• Mining the black diamond: coal

Included in the exhibit is information on West Bokaro Collieries, Jharia Division Collieries, Noamundi Iron Mine, Joda East Iron Mine and Gomardih  Dolomite Quarry.

The exhibit is situated in:
Pavilion number 1206, 
Hall No.11,
Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.