Raipur: The Ministry of Coal honoured 50 mines across India with five-star ratings at the Star Rating Awards Ceremony 2026, held at Mayfair Lake Resort in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The awards recognised mine performance during FY 2024–25.
The awardees included 15 underground mines and 35 opencast mines. South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) received five-star ratings for five of its mines.
SECL’s Five-Star Mines
The recognised mines include:
Underground mines
Bangwar
Khairaha
Baherabandh
Vijay West
Opencast mine
Jagannathpur
The recognition reflects the mines’ performance across operational and sustainability-related parameters.
Awards Presented by Union Minister
The awards were presented by Satish Chandra Dubey, Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines. In his address, Dubey highlighted the importance of safe mining practices, environmental protection, operational excellence, and sustainable development in the coal sector.
The ceremony was attended by Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal; B. Sairam, Chairman of Coal India Limited; and Satish Kumar, Coal Controller at the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO), along with senior officials from the ministry and coal companies.
How Mines Are Evaluated
Under the Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating Policy, coal and lignite mines are assessed on a range of parameters, including operational efficiency, production and productivity, technological innovation, occupational health and safety, environmental management, sustainable development and local community welfare.
The evaluation and verification process is carried out by reviewers appointed by the Coal Controller Organisation. The system is intended to encourage healthy competition among mines and promote scientific, safe and sustainable mining practices.
