Bilaspur, India |: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has achieved a major milestone after five of its coal mines were awarded the prestigious 5-Star Rating under the Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating Assessment for the 2024–25 financial year. The recognition represents the highest number of SECL mines ever to receive the top rating in a single assessment year, highlighting the company’s continued leadership in safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible mining.
The mines that received the coveted 5-Star Rating include Bangwar Underground Mine and Khairaha Underground Mine in the Sohagpur Area, Beherabandh Underground Mine in the Johilla Area, Vijay West Underground Mine in the Hasdeo Area, and the Jagannathpur Opencast Project in the Bhatgaon Area.
The Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating System is one of India’s most comprehensive performance evaluation frameworks for coal and lignite mines. The assessment measures excellence across several critical parameters, including scientific mining practices, mine safety, environmental management, land reclamation, adoption of modern technologies, occupational health and employee welfare, statutory compliance, corporate social responsibility, and operational efficiency. Only mines demonstrating exceptional performance across these categories are awarded the highest 5-Star Rating.
The four underground mines—Bangwar, Khairaha, Beherabandh, and Vijay West—were recognized for their outstanding achievements in safe mining operations, scientific extraction methods, high production efficiency, employee welfare, and environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, the Jagannathpur Opencast Project, the only SECL opencast mine to earn the 5-Star Rating this year, stood out for its excellence in overburden management, green initiatives, water conservation, and safe mining practices, further demonstrating SECL’s commitment to sustainable resource development.
Reacting to the achievement, Shri Harish Duhan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of SECL, said the recognition is a matter of immense pride for the entire SECL family. He credited the accomplishment to the dedication of employees, officers, business partners, and stakeholders, emphasizing that safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible mining remains the company’s highest priority. He added that SECL will continue adopting modern technologies and best mining practices to establish new benchmarks in operational excellence.
The latest recognition reinforces SECL’s strong safety culture, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible mining. As one of the largest subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, SECL continues to play a vital role in strengthening India’s energy security while advancing the country’s sustainable development goals through innovation, technology, and responsible mining practices.
