OREANDA-NEWS. Sterlite Industries (India) Limited has been has been operating its copper smelter in Tuticorin for the last 17 years with requisite approvals and consents issued by regulatory authorities. The plant adheres to the highest standards of environment, health and safety practices, benchmarked to international standards. The plant has undergone continuous upgradation of technology over the years, including the implementation of numerous environmental upgradation measures based on recommendations of TNPGB, NEERI and CPCB in the last two years.

In response to a few public complaints of emission, on 23 March, 2013, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) carried out a preliminary inspection. We provided to TNPCB all the technical details of the operations which confirms that all parameters and key readings of the particular period of 23 March, were well within the permissible range. The District Administration also issued a press note confirming that no case of illness was reported on account of alleged emission, based on a report by District health officials.

Since all parameters were found within permissible levels and there were no cases of illness, we believe that this should have been the subject matter of detailed technical evaluation by TNPCB. However, TNPCB has ordered closure of the plant. We will engage with TNPCB to explain the factual position and are committed to co-operate fully with the authorities in this regard, in order to be able to restart operations.