New Delhi: State-owned manganese mining giant MOIL Limited has been honoured with the prestigious 5-Star Rating Awards for three of its mines – Gumgaon, Kandri, and Chikla – in recognition of their excellence in sustainable and responsible mining practices for the year 2023–24.
These awards were presented by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) under the Ministry of Mines, which annually recognises mining operations that adhere to the highest standards of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and scientific mining practices.
Awards Presented by Chief Minister and Union Minister
The awards ceremony was held in Rajasthan, where the honours were presented by Shri Bajan Lal Sharma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan, and Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister for Coal & Mines.
The 5-Star Rating system is part of a broader effort by the Government of India to promote transparency and sustainability in the mining sector, encouraging companies to go beyond compliance and adopt best-in-class practices.
MOIL’s Leadership Present at the Event
Team MOIL was represented at the ceremony by a high-level delegation, including-
- Mr M. M. Abdulla, Director (Production & Planning)
- Mr P. Karaiya, Executive Director (Technical)
- Mr U. M. Bhujade, Agent Group-II & Joint GM (Mines)
- Mr Nilesh Khedekar, Mine Manager, Chikla Mine
- Mr Umesh Charpe, Mine Manager, Gumgaon Mine
- Mr Mahesh Gaikwad, Mine Manager, Kandri Mine
- Along with other senior officials from MOIL
Their presence reflected MOIL’s strong commitment to innovation, operational safety, and environmental sustainability in mining.
MOIL’s Sustainable Mining Focus
MOIL’s continued recognition under the 5-Star Rating framework reaffirms its leadership in ethical and sustainable mining in India. The company has consistently focused on:
- Reclamation and rehabilitation of mined areas
- Scientific and environmentally sound mining techniques
- Community welfare and stakeholder engagement
- Compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations
About the 5-Star Rating System
Launched by the Ministry of Mines, the 5-Star Rating Scheme is a benchmarking tool designed to evaluate mining leases based on performance indicators such as scientific mining, environmental management, stakeholder initiatives, and reporting transparency.
Mines that meet the highest level of criteria are awarded the 5-Star Rating, representing best practices in sustainable development of mineral resources.
MOIL LIMITED
MOIL, or Manganese Ore (India) Limited, is a Miniratna Category-I PSU under the Ministry of Steel of the Indian government. It’s the largest producer of manganese ore in India, holding a market share of around 50%. MOIL operates 11 mines in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, primarily engaging in the mining, processing, and marketing of manganese ore.
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