Through this registration, the Ministry of Coal will prioritise promoting competitiveness and sustainable mining.

The Ministry of Coal announces the start of the Star Rating Registration process of coal and lignite mines for the financial year 2022–23 to promote competition among mines and recognise their exceptional performance based on compliance with statutory requirements, adoption of advanced mining technology, and economic achievements.

The Star Rating policy aims to assess mines based on different aspects of seven key parameters, including mining operations, environmental parameters, adoption of technologies, best mining practices, economic performance, rehabilitation and resettlement, worker-related compliance, and safety and security.

The registration portal for the Star Rating programme for all coal and lignite mines for this year’s notification to register was launched recently and was released on May 30th 2023. The number of participating mines has increased since the program’s beginning in 2018–19 to 376 in just a short period up to June 19, 2023.  The Ministry anticipates that as the platform would stay open for registration until June 30, 2023, more mines will register.

A thorough self-evaluation procedure should be finished by July 31, 2023, and participating mines are encouraged to do so. The top 10percent of the mines with the highest scores will be chosen later for additional confirmation through a committee-led inspection. All participants can participate in the evaluation by reviewing other mines, with the remaining 90percent of the mines through an online review procedure. By October 31, 2023, the thorough assessment will have been completed. The outcomes will then be published by January 31, 2024, after which there will be a Coal Controller review. The evaluation will be carried out by the Coal Controller’s Organisation, assuring objectivity and openness in the process.

The Coal Ministry seeks to improve the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the nation’s coal and lignite mining by fostering competition and endorsing ethical mining methods. The evaluations, which range from Five Stars to no Stars, thoroughly assess the accomplishments of each mine.