Ramco Cements' Pandalgudi Mine Restoration Receives Advanced Biodiversity Certification

Ramco Cements' Pandalgudi Mine Restoration Receives Advanced Biodiversity Certification​

The ecological restoration efforts at Ramco Cements' limestone mine in Pandalgudi, Virudhunagar District of Tamil Nadu, have garnered international acclaim, receiving Advanced Certification from The Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS). The certified mine site is the first in Peninsular India to achieve this designation, placing it among globally recognized restoration projects such as those at the Jane Goodall Institute and Ecosia's work in Uganda.

The TGBS, supported by over 250 scientists and academics, is recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This certification assesses a project’s contribution to biodiversity protection and recovery while ensuring the work positively benefits local communities.

The restoration project covers a total of over 500 acres of worked-out mines, with 234 acres officially assessed and certified. Work began in 2018 and was supported by Auroville Botanical Gardens. Plantations commenced at the end of 2019, and the project is currently ongoing, with completion anticipated by 2027.

Key operational details of the Pandalgudi restoration site:


Since the inception of the project, significant ecological milestones have been achieved. Over 430,000 native trees and shrubs, representing 150 species of ecological significance, have been planted on the site.

The site's ecological recovery is already quantifiable. Biodiversity monitoring has recorded 72 species of birds and 53 species of butterflies on the site, which was previously a barren mine. Furthermore, it is estimated that the site has captured approximately 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the past seven years.

The area was officially opened in 2022 by the Chief Minister of the State. It has since hosted over 13,000 visitors, including organized educational experiences for local schools and colleges, and state and national-level training institutions. The successful restoration efforts have also provided inspiration and support for the Rajapalayam Masterplan, leading to the declaration of Rajapalayam as one of four towns in Tamil Nadu targeting carbon neutrality by 2041.

Mr P. R. Venkrama Raja, Chairman of the Ramco Group, stated that the company is committed to supporting initiatives that advance the country’s transition to a sustainable and carbon-neutral future. He expressed hope that the Pandalgudi project will serve as a blueprint for the mining industry nationwide.

Dr David Bartholomew, CEO of The Global Biodiversity Standard, highlighted the integrity demonstrated by the project. "Pandalgudi demonstrates the leadership that high-integrity restoration demands," Dr Bartholomew noted. "Ramco Cements and Auroville Botanical Gardens have transformed a severely degraded mine into a recovering native ecosystem."

About Ramco Cements
Ramco Cements Limited, a flagship company of the Ramco Group, is headquartered in Chennai and is one of India's leading cement producers. It holds an installed capacity of over 20 million tonnes per annum across more than ten manufacturing facilities in southern and eastern India. The company produces Ordinary Portland Cement, Portland Pozzolana Cement, specialty blends, ready-mix concrete, and dry-mortar products, linking manufacturing operations with a commitment to sustainability.

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