At JSW Cement, we are committed to conducting our business responsibly and we recognise the importance of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services for the long-term sustainability of its operations. The Company takes concerted actions to protect, restore and promote all forms of life in the ecosystem.
Governed by our Biodiversity policy, JSW Cement is committed to conserve biodiversity around its plants and quarry sites under various biodiversity management initiatives. We have a target of No Net loss of biodiversity by 2030. Both active mines (Nandyal and Khatkurbahal) are not near protected areas, but nearby scheduled species prompt wildlife conservation plans. The Vijayanagar grinding unit, near Daroji Bear Sanctuary, has a dedicated wildlife plan. We're committed to afforestation, native species planting, green belt maintenance, and approved mining and rehabilitation plans.
We have also joined the Indian Business and Biodiversity Initiative (IBBI), launched by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Additionally, we have also committed to IUCN's ‘Leaders for Nature’ programme.
Biodiversity Risk assessment
We have seven sites (in India), including our subsidiary Shiva Cements and mines at two sites. Cognizant of the proximity of our operations with nature, we have initiated Biodiversity risk assessments for all sites in FY 2023-24. The assessment shall be carried out in two phases.
- Phase I (Desktop Assessment): Gap assessment was conducted based on the datasets provided by each site such as EIA reports and site specific reports of previous biodiversity study, and secondary data sources. The desk assessment was carried out for all operational sites, i.e. seven locations covering a total area of 422.85 Ha. Additionally, the dependency and impact assessment was carried out for own operations and upstream and downstream activities.
All operations located within a 10 km radius of protected areas, migratory routes and Ramsar Wetlands sites were mapped using various tools. This is supported in ecosystem mapping, risk identification for each ecosystem, measuring ecosystem services and the effectiveness of existing management plans. The site-specific risk (impacts and dependencies) was developed as per JSW Biodiversity Technical Standard. Based on the risk and opportunity mapping, a scoring matrix was developed. Further, each site was scored as per the matrix to prioritise high impact locations. Based on the assessment, biodiversity related risks were also identified. Among all sites, two sites (Nandyal and Vijayanagar, cumulatively covering a total area of 323.75 Ha) were identified to be of high impact. Wildlife Conservation Plan/ Biodiversity Management Plan is available for both the sites. To strengthen our efforts at these two locations, we are undertaking Phase II assessment, i.e., onsite assessment.
- Phase II: On Site Assessment: We have initiated on-site biodiversity risk assessment at Nandyal site. The plant already has a Wildlife Conservation Plan as part of compliance requirements. Purpose of this study was to assess and document biodiversity (Flora-Fauna, habitats, terrestrial ecosystems, distribution of vegetation, Aquatic ecosystems) around the plant and plan for its conservation and development.
To mitigate the identified risks and progress towards achieving our target of No Net Loss (NLL), we will be prioritizing risks based on the applicable standards and Natural Capital Action Plan provided by CII team, enabling us to focus and create action-oriented, efficient, and streamlined plans to prevent and mitigate the risks. The assessments are ongoing, and we are yet to disclose the final findings.
By committing to undertake Biodiversity Risk Assessment, JSW Cement demonstrates its dedication to upholding and promoting preservation of biodiversity across its operations. This approach not only benefits its stakeholders but also contributes to a more sustainable and responsible business environment in the cement industry.
Biodiversity Mitigating Actions
- At JSW, we follow a robust mitigation hierarchy for all biodiversity issues resulting from our operations.
Mitigation measure |
Our practice |
Reduce/ Minimise |
We are keenly aware that resource extraction can impact biodiversity and thus ensure that we minimise our impact on nature. We follow responsible mining practices like controlled blasting to reduce negative impacts on the environment.
We responsibly manage our mining operations by employing a non-electrical/shock tube-controlled blasting method, coupled with Minimate Blasters to meticulously monitor each blast. Our approach involves staged waste-dumping to optimise disposal area usage.
To enhance productivity and minimise power consumption, the crusher operates at its maximum designed TPH capacity. The blasting process is aided by a meticulous drill-blasting procedure, which determines the optimal charge per hole based on stratum hardness.
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Rehabilitate/Restore |
We have mine rehabilitation plans at our mines which we implement progressively aligning with regulatory requirements. Apart from this, we are planting native species each year and maintaining the green belt as per the regulatory requirements.
We are using our dormant mines as water reservoirs to strengthen water availability for local populations. Utilising sump water from both active and dormant mine pits, we provide water supply to nearby communities.
The pits serve dual purposes, being utilised for cultivation and afforestation. This approach benefits from natural groundwater inflow from the surrounding areas, consistently replenishing the sumps and former pits, ensuring a year-round water source.
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Offset |
At a few of our locations we have created a small forest using Miyawaki afforestation method. The technique compresses layers of a forest – shrubs, trees, canopies – on small plots of land, turning them into tiny forests. At Vijaynagar location, 28 varieties of local species were used for this, and it supports in increasing the green cover in and around our plants. These forests also help in reversing declining tree cover, provide a better environment and help us improve air quality.
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