The Ministry of Coal will recognise and celebrate exemplary achievements in coal and lignite mining at the Star Rating Awards Ceremony on 2 November 2026 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The awards will honour high-performing mines for their achievements across key parameters, including operational efficiency, environmental sustainability, occupational health and safety, technological advancement and responsible resource management.
The ceremony will be graced by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, as the Chief Guest. The Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, will attend as the Guest of Honour, while the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, will be the Special Guest. Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, and Shri Sanoj Kumar Jha, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, will also attend the ceremony, along with senior officials of the Ministry, CMDs of coal and lignite PSUs, industry stakeholders and representatives of State Governments.
The Star Rating Policy for Coal Mines provides a structured framework for assessing the performance of coal and lignite mines against a comprehensive set of parameters. These include operational efficiency, adoption of technology, occupational health and safety, environmental management, sustainable development, rehabilitation and resettlement, and initiatives for the welfare of local communities. Mines are awarded ratings ranging from five stars to no star following assessment and validation by reviewers appointed by the Coal Controller’s Organisation. Mines achieving the highest star ratings for the assessment year 2024–25 will be felicitated at the ceremony.
The awards reflect the Government’s continued emphasis on promoting scientific, safe, efficient and environmentally responsible mining practices, while strengthening the coal sector’s contribution to the country’s energy security and economic growth.
Through a transparent and performance-oriented assessment mechanism, the Star Rating Policy encourages mining companies to continuously improve operational standards, strengthen environmental safeguards and adopt best practices throughout the mining lifecycle. The awards also promote healthy competition among mining operators and encourage the wider adoption of innovative and sustainable practices across the sector.
The ceremony will serve as a platform to acknowledge mines that have demonstrated excellence in responsible mining, efficient resource utilisation, environmental stewardship and sustainable development.