New Delhi: The Ministry of Coal will recognise outstanding achievements in coal and lignite mining at the Star Rating Awards Ceremony scheduled to be held in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, on November 2, 2026. The awards will honour high-performing mines for excellence in operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, occupational health and safety, technological advancement and responsible resource management.
The ceremony will be attended by Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy as the Chief Guest. Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey will participate as the Guest of Honour, while Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will be the Special Guest.
Senior officials, including Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, and Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, will also attend the event. CMDs of coal and lignite public sector undertakings (PSUs), industry stakeholders, representatives of state governments and senior ministry officials are expected to be present.
Star Rating Awards to Recognise Excellence in Mining
The Star Rating Awards recognise mines that have demonstrated high standards across several important aspects of mining operations. The assessment covers operational performance, adoption of modern technology, workplace safety, environmental protection and sustainable resource management.
Mines achieving the highest star ratings for the assessment year 2024–25 will be felicitated during the ceremony.
The awards aim to encourage mining companies to adopt scientific, safe, efficient and environmentally responsible practices while contributing to India’s energy security and economic growth.
Read also: India’s Coal Imports Decline 5.83% to 104.57 MT in August 2026, Import Dependence Eases
Union Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy to Attend as Chief Guest
Union Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy will attend the ceremony as the Chief Guest. Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey will be present as the Guest of Honour, while Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will attend as the Special Guest.
The event will also be attended by Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, and Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal. Senior officials of the Ministry, CMDs of coal and lignite public sector undertakings (PSUs), industry stakeholders and representatives of State Governments are also expected to participate.
Understanding the Star Rating Policy for Coal Mines
The Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating Policy provides a structured framework for evaluating the performance of coal and lignite mines against a comprehensive set of parameters.
The assessment covers the following areas:
- Operational efficiency: Performance and efficiency of mining operations.
- Technology adoption: Use of modern technologies and innovative mining practices.
- Occupational health and safety: Measures to ensure safe working conditions for mine employees.
- Environmental management: Initiatives to minimise environmental impact and strengthen safeguards.
- Sustainable development: Adoption of responsible mining practices throughout the mining lifecycle.
- Rehabilitation and resettlement: Measures related to rehabilitation and resettlement of affected communities.
- Community welfare: Initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of people living in mining areas.
Mines are awarded ratings ranging from five stars to no star. The ratings are assigned following an assessment and validation process conducted by reviewers appointed by the Coal Controller’s Organisation.
Promoting Sustainable and Responsible Mining Practices
The Star Rating Policy is designed to encourage continuous improvement in the coal and lignite mining sector through a transparent and performance-oriented assessment mechanism.
By recognising high-performing mines, the Ministry aims to promote healthy competition among mining operators and encourage wider adoption of best practices. The policy also motivates companies to improve operational standards, strengthen environmental safeguards and introduce innovative technologies.
The awards reflect the government’s emphasis on balancing efficient resource utilisation with environmental responsibility, workplace safety and sustainable development.
Strengthening India’s Coal Sector and Energy Security
The Star Rating Awards Ceremony will provide a platform to acknowledge mines that have demonstrated excellence in responsible mining, efficient resource utilisation, environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Through the recognition of outstanding performance, the Ministry of Coal aims to encourage higher standards across the sector and strengthen the contribution of coal and lignite mining to India’s energy security and overall economic growth.
