Mumbai, June 9, 2025: Marking World Environment Day 2025, Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited (LMEL), along with the Lloyds Infinite Foundation, announced a range of sustainability initiatives aimed at decarbonizing operations, adopting green logistics, promoting circular economy practices, and supporting community development. These developments are centered around the company’s flagship Surjagarh Iron Ore Mine in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district, which is on course to become India’s first certified ‘green mine’.
Key transformations at the Surjagarh Iron Ore Mine include the elimination of 32,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, with a target of 50,000 tonnes through renewable energy integration. The mine has adopted electric drilling via the world’s first Electric Compressor Excavator Mounted Drill and is expanding its electric vehicle fleet, which is expected to cross 100 by FY26. Electrification of material handling and the use of LNG for ore transport are also underway. MoUs have been signed with solar and wind energy partners, with energy supplies expected to begin in Q2 FY25.
“At Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, sustainability is an opportunity to transform the way core industries think, operate and grow,” said Mr. B. Prabhakaran, Managing Director, Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited. “Our efforts go far beyond compliance; we are building a replicable model of environmentally responsible mining, circular logistics and inclusive development. Whether it is by leading India’s first green mine, commissioning breakthrough decarbonization technologies, or nurturing forests and water bodies in tribal regions, Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited stands committed to enabling green growth, every day.”
Green Logistics Initiatives
The company has completed testing of an 87-kilometre slurry pipeline, the first in Maharashtra and the fourth operational iron ore slurry pipeline in India. This infrastructure is expected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 61,000 tonnes annually and has the potential for 100 percent emission reduction if powered entirely by renewable energy. The pipeline also lowers freight costs by ₹500–600 per tonne.
Beneficiation of BHQ Reserves
Lloyds is initiating beneficiation of Banded Hematite Quartzite (BHQ), previously considered waste. The company’s 45 MTPA plant, scheduled in phases by FY27, aims to recover 15 MTPA of high-grade iron ore concentrate using energy-efficient technologies. This move supports land conservation and contributes to circular economy goals.
Afforestation and Water Management
The company has planted over 3 lakh trees across its project areas and allocated 377 hectares for compensatory afforestation, which has been designated as reserved forest land. Water bodies such as Hedri and Manger have been rejuvenated, enhancing their capacity by 1.45 lakh cubic metres. On-site wastewater reuse has reached 85 percent.
Skilling and Green Energy Use
Simulator-based welding training has been introduced, which eliminates emissions and waste during the learning process. Over 40 individuals have been trained so far. The company is also investing in 100 MW renewable energy projects in partnership with Hinduja Renewables and Amplus (Petronas Group), and is using bamboo dust as a biomass fuel alternative to reduce boiler emissions.
The company states that all these initiatives are part of a larger strategy to integrate green energy and circular economy principles into its core operations.
Through its partnership with the Lloyds Infinite Foundation, the company continues to support conservation, climate awareness, and sustainable development in tribal areas of Maharashtra.
