JSW Steel’s mining division in Odisha plans to increase the share of women in the mining industry from 9 to 30 percent, while expanding the use of digital technologies to improve workplace safety.
The goals were outlined at a Tripartite Safety Review Meeting held here in 2026, where company management, Directorate General of Mine Safety (DGMS) officials, employees and other stakeholders reviewed the unit’s safety performance and measures to further strengthen safety standards.
According to the company, no fatalities, fatalities or major accidents have been reported in the mining division of Odisha in the last five years.
Sovik Mazumder, chief operating officer, JSW Steel, Mining, said increasing women’s participation will remain a key focus along with workplace safety.
“We are currently at 9 per cent and aim to increase it to 30 per cent. We deeply value the suggestions of DGMS and our staff and all suggestions will be seriously considered and implemented,” Mazumder said.
He said safety is a non-hierarchical priority for the company, with the input of employees and regulators given due consideration.
The meeting also focused on technological measures to improve operational safety. Ram Shankar Sharma, Head of Operations and Projects, Mining Division, JSW Steel, Odisha, introduced the division’s safety practices and introduced WISE (Networked Lighting Surveillance Equipment), a digital solution designed to improve lighting safety standards in mining areas.
The system allows you to systematically monitor the level of illumination and facilitates timely correction of actions in areas where the prescribed safety standards are not met.
Prasanna Panda, head of mining operations at JSW Steel in Odisha, said the division’s safety systems are supported by continuous improvement and a strong focus on employee well-being.
DGMS officials praised the unit’s safety record and emphasized the need to strengthen emergency preparedness. Shyam Sundar Prasad, Deputy Director General, DGMS, emphasized the importance of regular CPR training and refresher training for employees to ensure effective response during emergencies.
He also called for greater participation of women in the mining industry and emphasized the need to ensure their safety as part of sustainable and inclusive growth.
The meeting reviewed the activities of the 2025 Tripartite Safety Meeting, progress in implementing the recommendations of the 12th National Safety Conference and suggestions from workers to strengthen safety practices at the operational level.