Ministry of Coal Awards Five-Star Ratings to 50 Mines for FY 2024-25

The Ministry of Coal hosted the Annual Star Rating Awards Ceremony for FY 2024-25 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, where 50 coal mines were recognized for their outstanding performance. The event took place on November 2, 2026, and was attended by Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, along with senior officials and representatives from various coal companies. This initiative aims to promote healthy competition and encourage continuous improvement in the coal mining sector.

A total of 50 coal mines received Five-Star Ratings, a significant achievement that reflects their commitment to excellence. Among these, 10 mines distinguished themselves by securing the top three positions in their respective categories, achieving scores exceeding 93 percent. Notably, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) and NTPC shared the First Prize in the Opencast category, while Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) claimed the First Prize in the Underground category.

Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) was also recognized for achieving the highest number of Five-Star Rated mines among all subsidiaries of Coal India Limited. Additionally, NCL and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) received accolades for their consistent high performance in Star Rating evaluations and production metrics.

During the ceremony, Minister Dubey emphasized the importance of the Star Rating Programme as a tool for fostering competition and motivating coal mines to enhance their performance. He urged mining companies to view the programme as an opportunity for self-evaluation and improvement rather than just an assessment exercise.

"The Star Rating Programme is not merely about recognition; it is about adopting best practices and embracing modern technologies to improve mining operations," Dubey stated. He encouraged all mining establishments to draw inspiration from the award-winning mines and actively participate in future evaluations.

Shri Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Coal, highlighted the evolution of the Star Rating Programme as a crucial platform for recognizing performance and institutionalizing best practices across the coal mining sector. He noted that the Ministry has continuously strengthened this platform through successive award ceremonies, which provide recognition to mines demonstrating exemplary performance.

"These achievements reflect the commitment and disciplined efforts of the mining teams and set valuable benchmarks for the wider sector," Jha remarked. He also stressed the importance of collaboration among coal companies to exchange knowledge and successful practices, which can lead to sector-wide improvements.

Looking ahead, Jha called for a more integrated approach to improving the coal sector, where the achievements of individual mines serve as learning opportunities for others. He underscored that the Star Rating Programme should continue to evolve as a platform for collective learning and sustained progress.

The Ministry of Coal aims to enhance the programme's impact by encouraging wider participation and fostering a culture of excellence within the industry. The focus will be on promoting transparency, setting benchmarks, and creating opportunities for mines to learn from demonstrated excellence.

The following table summarizes the key award winners and their respective categories:

The recognition of these mines not only highlights their individual achievements but also serves as a catalyst for the entire coal sector to strive for higher standards of performance and safety.

The Ministry of Coal's initiative to recognize outstanding performance through the Star Rating Programme is a significant step towards fostering a culture of excellence in India's coal mining industry. As the sector continues to evolve, the emphasis on best practices and continuous improvement will be crucial in meeting the challenges of the future.