TFP Bureau, Korba, June 4, 2025: Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO), a subsidiary of Vedanta Aluminium, marked World Environment Day with a strong reaffirmation of its commitment to environmental sustainability. Through a series of impactful measures in renewable energy, water conservation, and community-led initiatives, BALCO is advancing towards its vision of becoming Net Water Positive by 2030 and achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050.
In FY 2024-25, BALCO significantly expanded its use of renewable energy, resulting in a reduction of over 1.6 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions. The company also implemented a new potline relining design, improving energy efficiency by cutting down 400 kilowatt-hours per metric tonne of aluminium produced. Digitisation of logistics operations has enabled data-driven fleet management, optimizing transport and further lowering carbon emissions.
Water Conservation and Community Development
BALCO achieved a 17% year-on-year increase in water recycling, reusing over 5.2 million cubic meters of water. In the surrounding communities, the company has rejuvenated 28 water bodies — including farm ponds and community reservoirs — with a combined storage capacity exceeding 39,000 cubic meters. These efforts are helping recharge groundwater and support agriculture in local villages.
Rajesh Kumar, CEO & Director of BALCO, stated, “Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. Whether through renewable energy, water conservation, or community development, our goal is to build a resilient, circular ecosystem that supports both industrial growth and environmental preservation.”
Afforestation and Green Operations
As part of its afforestation drive, BALCO planted over 52,000 saplings across its mines, ash dykes, and nearby community areas. The company has also introduced electric forklifts within its plant operations and electric vehicles for township waste management—steps that contribute to cleaner, more energy-efficient practices.
BALCO continues to maintain ash-free operational spaces, channeling fly ash for productive use in cement manufacturing, infrastructure development, road construction, and mines backfilling.
Sustainability in Action
Throughout FY25, BALCO has launched multiple green initiatives to deepen its environmental impact, including:
- Creation of plastic-free zones across the plant
- Promotion of electric vehicle use among employees
- Organisation of nature walks and cleanliness drives to raise awareness about biodiversity
- Gardening competitions featuring native and exotic plant species
- Community campaigns celebrating the ecological richness of Chhattisgarh
Through these integrated and future-facing efforts, BALCO is demonstrating how responsible industrial practices can contribute meaningfully to planetary well-being, while also enhancing livelihoods and promoting environmental consciousness in its operating regions.
