Posted On:
02 NOV 2026 8:13PM by PIB Raipur
The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, organised the Star Rating Awards Ceremony 2026 today at Mayfair Lake Resort, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. A total of 50 mines across the country were honoured with Five-Star Rating Awards for their outstanding performance in coal and lignite mining, based on the assessment for the financial year 2024-25. The awardees comprise 15 underground mines and 35 opencast mines. The awards recognise the significant contributions of mines in promoting safe, efficient, scientific and environmentally sustainable mining practices.
The Chief Guest, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, presented the awards. In his address following the award distribution, he highlighted the importance of excellence in the coal sector, mine safety, environmental protection and sustainable development, emphasising the need to adopt responsible and sustainable mining practices.
The programme was attended by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Sanoj Kumar Jha; Chairman, Coal India Limited, Shri B. Sai Ram; Coal Controller, Coal Controller Organisation (CCO), New Delhi, Shri Satish Kumar; and senior officials from the Ministry of Coal and various coal companies. Senior officials and representatives of coal companies from across the country also participated in the ceremony.
The ceremony also marked a significant achievement for Chhattisgarh. Three underground mines of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)—Bangwar Underground Mine, Khairaha UG Mine and Baherabandh UG Mine—featured among the Five-Star rated mines. In addition, Parsa East & Kanta Basan Opencast Coal Mine of Parsa Kente Collieries Limited and Gare Pelma Sector-III Coal Mine of Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited also secured Five-Star ratings.
Under the Star Rating Policy of the Ministry of Coal, the performance of coal and lignite mines is comprehensively assessed against various prescribed parameters. These include operational efficiency, production and productivity, technological innovation, occupational health and safety, environmental management, sustainable development and the welfare of local communities. The evaluation and verification process is undertaken through reviewers appointed by the Coal Controller Organisation.
The Star Rating system aims to promote healthy competition among mines and encourage the wider adoption of best practices across the mining sector. The initiative strengthens transparency, accountability and a performance-oriented work culture in the country's coal sector while promoting scientific, safe and sustainable mining.
This initiative of the Ministry of Coal reflects the Government's commitment to strengthening the contribution of the coal sector to India's energy security and economic development, while ensuring the responsible utilisation of natural resources and environmental protection.
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