PSU Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited’s (NLCIL’s) operational mines have been honoured with the esteemed 5-star and 4-star ratings from the Ministry of Coal at the national level. The awards were presented by the Union Minister of Coal & Mines, Mr. G. Kishan Reddy, and the Union Minister of State for Coal & Mines, Mr. Satish Chandra Dubey, during a ceremony at the Scope Convention Centre in New Delhi on October 21st, 2024. The awards were received by Mr. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli the incumbent CMD of NLC India Limited, and Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, the present Director (Mines) & Director (P&P) AC, along with the leaders of the respective mines.
The Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating Policy is a groundbreaking initiative designed to improve performance and sustainability in the coal and lignite sectors. By establishing a thorough framework for evaluating mines on various parameters, this policy encourages transparency, accountability, and competition among coal and lignite producers while promoting best practices in environmental management, safety, and operational efficiency.
To recognize exceptional performance and enhance competitiveness, the Ministry conducts star ratings for all operational mines. This evaluation considers operational efficiency alongside important environmental and sustainability metrics. Mine owners self-report their performance via the Star Rating Portal, which is then validated by the Coal Controller Organization (CCO). For the financial year 2022-23, ratings were conducted from June 2023 to February 2024, with results announced in April 2024.
Out of 380 participating mines, 43 achieved the prestigious 5-Star Rating. Notably, 80% of NLC India Limited’s operational mines—specifically Barsingsar Lignite Mine, Lignite Mine IA, Lignite Mine I, and Talabira II & III OCP—received this distinction. Additionally, Lignite Mine-II earned a 4-star rating. Barsingsar Lignite Mine ranked second nationally, while Lignite Mine IA secured seventh place, underscoring their commitment to excellence in the industry.
The 5-Star and 4-Star ratings awarded to NLCIL Mines at the national level reflect NLCIL’s dedication to operational efficiency and sustainability initiatives.
