New Delhi: Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a Miniratna public sector enterprise under Coal India Limited, has achieved a remarkable milestone at the Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating Awards 2023–24, with nine of its coal mines earning the coveted 5-Star Rating.
Mines Awarded
The recognition includes:
- Underground Mines (2): Hirakhand-Bundia and Orient Colliery Mine No. 1 & 2
- Opencast Mines (7): Kulda, Ananta, Samleshwari, Bhubaneswari, Lajkura, Belpahar, and Gopalji-Kaniha Expansion Project
Award Ceremony in Mumbai
The awards were presented in Mumbai by Union Minister of Coal & Mines Mr. G. Kishan Reddy, along with Minister of State Mr. Satish Chandra Dubey and Coal Secretary Mr. Vikram Dev Dutt, IAS. Receiving the honors on behalf of MCL were CMD Mr. Uday Anant Kaole, Director (Finance) Mr. A. K. Behura, and the Area General Managers of the respective mines.
About the Star Rating System
The Government of India’s Star Rating framework assesses coal mines on a scale of 1 to 5, based on performance in operational excellence, worker safety, environmental sustainability, adoption of modern technologies, and economic contribution. A 5-Star rating represents the highest standard of achievement.
Commitment to Responsible Mining
MCL stated that this recognition reaffirms its commitment to responsible and sustainable mining, innovation, and energy security for the nation. The achievement also demonstrates the PSU’s ability to balance growth with high standards of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
About Mahanadi Coalfields Limited
MCL is a major coal-producing company in India and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited. It was carved out of South Eastern Coalfields Limited in 1992 and is headquartered in Sambalpur, Odisha. MCL operates several open-cast and underground coal mines, primarily in Odisha. MCL’s operations are mainly concentrated in Odisha, with mines in districts like Jharsuguda and Angul. MCL is one of the eight subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, which is under the Ministry of Coal.
