Raipur : The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, organised the Star Rating Award Ceremony 2026 at Mayfair Lake Resort in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on Sunday. A total of 50 five-star coal and lignite mines from across the country were honoured for their outstanding performance during the financial year 2024-25. Of these, 15 were underground mines and 35 were open-cast mines. The awards recognise significant achievements in safe, efficient, scientific and environmentally responsible mining practices.
Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey attended as the chief guest and distributed the awards. Addressing the gathering after the presentation, he underlined the importance of excellence, safe mining, environmental protection and sustainable development in the coal sector, and emphasised the need to adopt responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Among those present were Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal Sanoj Kumar Jha, Coal India Limited Chairman B. Sairam, Coal Controller Satish Kumar of the Coal Controller’s Organisation (CCO), New Delhi, and other senior officials and representatives from the Ministry and various coal companies.
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) received five-star awards for five of its mines. In the underground category, Bangwar, Khairaha, Baherabandh and Vijay West mines were recognised, while Jagannathpur mine was awarded in the open-cast category. The recognition of four underground and one open-cast mine highlights SECL’s commitment to safe mining, operational efficiency and environmental protection.
Other awarded mines operating in Chhattisgarh included the Gere Pelma Sector-III Coal Mine of Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited and the Parsa East and Kanta Basan Open Cast Coal Mine of Parsa Kente Collieries Limited.
Under the Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating policy, the performance of coal and lignite mines is comprehensively evaluated against several prescribed parameters. These include operational efficiency, production and productivity, technological innovation, occupational health and safety, environmental management, sustainable development, and efforts towards the welfare of local communities. The evaluation and verification process is carried out by reviewers appointed by the Coal Controller’s Organisation.
The Star Rating system aims to foster healthy competition among mines and encourage the wider adoption of best practices. It strengthens transparency, accountability and a performance-based work culture in the coal sector while promoting scientific, safe and sustainable mining.
The initiative reinforces the coal sector’s contribution to India’s energy security and economic development, while reflecting the government’s commitment to the responsible use of natural resources and environmental protection.
