Raipur: The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, organised the Star Rating Awards Ceremony 2026 at Mayfair Lake Resort in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to recognise outstanding performance in coal and lignite mining across the country. A total of 50 five-star mines were honoured based on their performance assessment for the financial year 2024-25.
The award-winning mines include 15 underground mines and 35 opencast mines. The recognition highlights their achievements in promoting safe, efficient, scientific and environmentally responsible mining practices.
Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey attended the ceremony as the chief guest and presented the awards to the representatives of the recognised mines.
Union Minister Emphasises Safe and Sustainable Coal Mining
Addressing the gathering after the award distribution, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey highlighted the importance of excellence, operational safety, environmental protection and sustainable development in the coal sector.
He emphasised the need to adopt responsible and sustainable mining practices to ensure the efficient utilisation of natural resources while maintaining high standards of safety and environmental management.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials and representatives from the Ministry of Coal and various coal companies. Key attendees included Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Coal Manoj Kumar Jha, Coal India Limited Chairman B. Sai Ram, and Coal Controller Satish Kumar from the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO), New Delhi.
SECL’s Five Mines Receive Five-Star Star Rating Awards
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) received five five-star awards at the ceremony, recognising its performance in both underground and opencast mining operations.
The five award-winning SECL mines are:
Underground Mines:
- Bangwar Mine
- Khairaha Mine
- Baheraband Mine
- Vijay West Mine
Opencast Mine:
- Jagannathpur Mine
The recognition of four underground mines and one opencast mine highlights SECL’s commitment to operational efficiency, safe mining practices and environmental protection.
The awards also underline the company’s efforts to maintain high performance standards across different categories of coal mining operations.
Other Chhattisgarh Coal Mines Also Receive Recognition
Apart from SECL, other coal mines operating in Chhattisgarh were also recognised at the Star Rating Awards 2026.
These include:
- Gare Pelma Sector-III Coal Mine: Operated by Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited.
- Parsa East and Kanta Basan Opencast Coal Mine: Operated by Parsa Kente Collieries Limited.
Their inclusion reflects the contribution of coal mining operations in Chhattisgarh towards improving mining standards and promoting responsible resource utilisation.
Coal Ministry’s Star Rating Policy: Key Evaluation Parameters
Under the Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating Policy, coal and lignite mines are evaluated through a comprehensive assessment process based on several predefined performance parameters.
The evaluation covers multiple aspects of mining operations, including:
- Operational Efficiency: Performance in mining operations and the effective utilisation of resources.
- Production and Productivity: Assessment of production performance and productivity levels.
- Technological Innovation: Adoption of modern technologies and improved mining practices.
- Occupational Health and Safety: Measures to ensure the health, safety and well-being of mine workers.
- Environmental Management: Efforts towards environmental protection and responsible mining.
- Sustainable Development: Adoption of practices that support long-term sustainability.
- Community Welfare: Contributions towards the welfare and development of local communities.
The evaluation and verification process is conducted through reviewers appointed by the Coal Controller Organisation.
Star Rating System Promotes Transparency and Mining Excellence
The Star Rating system aims to encourage healthy competition among coal and lignite mines and motivate mining companies to adopt better operational practices.
By recognising mines that demonstrate excellence across different performance parameters, the initiative seeks to strengthen transparency, accountability and a performance-driven work culture in the coal sector.
The programme also encourages scientific mining methods, improved workplace safety, technological advancement and environmental sustainability.
The Ministry of Coal’s initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s energy security and economic development while ensuring the responsible utilisation of natural resources and protection of the environment.
About South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL)
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited and a major coal-producing public sector company under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Headquartered in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, SECL operates coal mines across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The company contributes significantly to India’s coal production and energy security through its underground and opencast mining operations.
