NLCIL mines get five-star rating of Union Coal Ministry

Lignite and coal mines of NLC India Limited (NLCIL) have notched up top scores and five-star ratings for the year 2023-24 in a Union Coal Ministry survey.

The Lignite Mine 1A in Neyveli, Talabira II and III coal mines in Odisha and Barsingar lignite mine in Rajasthan have got the first place in the survey of lignite and coal-based open cast mines in the country in the year 2023-24.

The mines secured the highest scores and bagged the five-star rating. Additionally, NLCIL’s lignite Mine I and II in Neyveli achieved a four-star rating.

Coal power is costing India up to 10% of its rice and wheat crops

Union Minster of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey presented the awards in Mumbai recently.

According to a press release, the star rating policy of the Ministry of Coal is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the performance and sustainability of coal and lignite sector entities.

Coal Ministry to launch digital exploration module on July 4

By establishing a comprehensive framework for evaluating and rating mines based on various parameters, the policy promotes transparency, accountability, and competition among coal/lignite producers, while championing best practices in environmental management, safety, and operational efficiency.

The survey for the ratings is conducted in around 380 mines and the performances are assessed based on the seven modules, such as mining operation-related parameters, environment, adoption of technology and best mining practices, economic performances, rehabilitation and resettlement, employees/workers compliance and safety and security.

Since the inception of the Star Rating system in 2018-19, NLCIL’s five operating mines have collectively achieved 29 Star Ratings, including 21 distinguished Five-Star recognitions. NLCIL stands out nationally by securing the highest proportion of Five-Star ratings among the total awards received under the system reaffirming its leadership in sustainable and responsible mining.

According to the NLCIL, a high-level team personally visits each mine, inspects and evaluates all the modules, and awards the star ratings.

Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman and Managing Director of NLCIL said the Star Ratings reflected NLCIL’s relentless focus on safety, sustainability and technology-led productivity.

“The company remains committed to responsible growth as we work towards doubling our mining capacity in the next five years. This recognition is a testament to NLCIL’s consistent pursuit of excellence and its dedication to setting new benchmarks in sustainable mining practices,” he said.