Coal & Lignite Mines Rated for Sustainability and Safety at National Awards Ceremony
Union Ministers Felicitate Top Performers in Mining Sector at Trident, Mumbai
Mumbai, 4 September 2025 — The Ministry of Coal hosted the Star Rating of Coal & Lignite Mines Award Ceremony at Hotel Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai, recognizing excellence in environmental compliance, safety standards, and operational transparency across India’s mining sector. The event was attended by Union Minister of Coal & Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, as Chief Guest, along with Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey.
The awards are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible mining practices and incentivize performance across key parameters such as land reclamation, pollution control, worker safety, and community engagement.
Recognizing Responsible Mining Practices
The Star Rating system, developed by the Ministry of Coal, evaluates coal and lignite mines on a range of sustainability and safety metrics. Mines that demonstrate exceptional performance are awarded higher star ratings, which serve as benchmarks for the industry and encourage continuous improvement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the importance of balancing energy production with ecological responsibility. “India’s coal sector is undergoing a transformation. Through initiatives like the Star Rating system, we are not only improving transparency but also ensuring that mining operations contribute positively to local communities and the environment,” he said.
Awards Across Categories
The event saw the felicitation of top-performing mines from both public and private sectors. Awards were presented in categories such as:
- Best Overall Performance in Coal Mining
- Excellence in Environmental Management
- Outstanding Safety Practices
- Innovation in Mine Rehabilitation and Land Use
Each winning mine was evaluated through a rigorous audit process conducted by independent agencies and reviewed by the Ministry’s expert panel.
Policy Push for Sustainable Mining
Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, Minister of State for Coal and Mines, highlighted the government’s commitment to modernizing the coal sector. “We are integrating digital monitoring tools, expanding renewable energy offsets, and strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure that India’s energy needs are met sustainably,” he noted.
The ceremony also served as a platform to discuss future policy directions, including the adoption of AI and drone technology in mine surveillance, expansion of coal gasification projects, and enhanced training programs for mine workers.
Industry and Government Collaboration
Senior officials from Coal India Limited, Singareni Collieries Company, NLC India, and other key stakeholders were present at the event. Discussions focused on collaborative approaches to improve mine productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
The Ministry reiterated its goal to make India a global leader in sustainable mining practices, aligning with international standards and climate commitments.
A Step Toward Transparency and Accountability
The Star Rating initiative is part of a broader push by the Ministry of Coal to bring transparency and accountability to the sector. Mines that fail to meet minimum standards face penalties and public disclosure, while top performers are rewarded with recognition and policy incentives.
By celebrating excellence and enforcing compliance, the Ministry aims to reshape public perception of coal mining and build trust among stakeholders.
