Vedanta Iron Ore Karnataka (IOK) and Volvo CE India have signed a MoU to deploy sustainable power solutions such as zero-emission electric off-road machines, at Vedanta IOK’s mines in Chitradurga on a trial basis.
With the pilot project commencing at Vedanta IOK, the company has deployed Volvo’s recently launched EC55 all-electric excavator and its subsidiary SDLG’s L956H electric wheel loader for its iron ore mining operations.
“At Vedanta, we are committed to the cause of sustainability as we continue to be a frontrunner in adopting sustainable mining technologies. Our ESG focus is aligned with the goal to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050 or sooner,” said M Krishna Reddy, COO – Mining, Sesa Goa, Vedanta. “Partnering with Volvo will help us accelerate our journey towards achieving carbon neutrality. Our mission of transforming for good continues to drive us towards a greener and cleaner future for all.”
Vedanta has set itself on a transformational journey to reach its ESG goals, aligned with GoI’s commitment to decarbonise India’s economy. The company aims to achieve net zero carbon by 2050 or sooner and take forward their vision of building a self-reliant India, empowered to lead a greener future. Whereas, at Volvo CE, sustainability is at the heart of everything the company thinks and works on. As one of the leading manufacturers of construction equipment across the globe, the company believes it has a responsibility to accelerate solutions that will help usher in a world we want to live in. This MoU agreement between Vedanta IOK and Volvo CE India marks a new beginning of transforming India into a sustainable nation, making it a first of its kind agreement with Volvo CE in the Indian Iron Ore Mining fraternity.
“It’s great to partner with someone on something we are equally passionate about – promoting sustainable development across the country,” said Dimitrov Krishnan, Head - Volvo CE India. “This is just the beginning. With our highly advanced zero-emission site-level solutions, the blue sky is really the limit to how we can create a greener future.”
Vedanta IOK and Volvo CE India will use the pilot project as a case study. They have begun collaborating and assessing various parameters for sustainable operations, starting from site surveys to operational requirement mapping, to charging infrastructure deployment. Based on the learnings and outcomes from the pilot project, the companies will further look into feasible options to collaborate for achieving their ESG goals through deployment of zero-emission machinery at their operations.
