New Delhi, 06.09.2025: NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a government-owned company under the Ministry of Coal, has been recognized for its outstanding performance in mining by the Ministry of Coal at a recent awards ceremony in Mumbai on September 4, 2025. The awards were presented by Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey, along with senior officials from the Ministry. These awards are part of the Ministry’s Star Rating system, which was introduced in 2019 to encourage responsible and modern mining practices. The system rates mines based on various factors such as operational efficiency, safety, environmental protection, rehabilitation of mined land, adoption of technology, and welfare of workers. Mines are given ratings from Five Star, the highest, down to no stars, allowing comparisons of performance across companies and highlighting the best practices in the industry.
During the 2023–24 rating cycle, NLCIL’s Lignite Mine‑IA at Neyveli achieved a Five Star rating, making it one of the top open-cast mines in India. The Talabira II and III coal mines in Odisha and the Barsingsar Lignite Mine in Rajasthan also received Five Star ratings, showing the company’s strong performance across different states. Additionally, Neyveli’s Lignite Mine‑I and Mine‑II were awarded Four Star ratings, demonstrating consistent operational excellence. Since the Star Rating system began in 2018–19, NLCIL’s five active mines have together earned 29 awards, including 21 Five Star recognitions. This is the highest share of top ratings among all mining companies in India, a notable achievement given that NLCIL operates a relatively small number of mines compared to larger mining groups.
These awards highlight NLCIL’s focus on safety, sustainability, and productivity. The company has consistently outperformed its peers in responsible mining practices, emphasizing technology use, worker welfare, and sustainable land management. Speaking at the ceremony, NLCIL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, stated that these awards reflect the company’s commitment to safety, sustainability, and modern mining techniques. He also noted that NLCIL plans to double its mining capacity over the next five years and that these recognitions provide a strong foundation for future growth. The awards also underscore the company’s role in contributing to India’s broader energy security goals and sustainable development targets.
The Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating system is designed to encourage all mining companies to adopt safer and more environmentally responsible practices. By rewarding mines that perform well in areas such as worker welfare, eco-friendly operations, and land rehabilitation, the system aims to raise the standards of the entire industry. At the 2025 ceremony, the Ministry also launched initiatives to strengthen these practices, including public dashboards for monitoring coal operations, awards for innovations in carbon capture and storage, green financing guides for reviving mined areas, and the L.I.V.E.S handbook for sustainable mine closures. These efforts reflect the government’s focus on cleaner, safer, and more efficient mining, supporting India’s transition toward energy independence and a modern industrial economy.
Despite having only five active mines, NLCIL has established itself as a leader in sustainable and responsible mining. Its ability to consistently earn top ratings demonstrates that even smaller operators can set benchmarks for excellence. By combining modern technology, careful environmental management, and attention to worker safety, NLCIL is not only meeting current energy demands but also paving the way for sustainable mining practices in the future. The recognition of its mines at Neyveli, Talabira, and Barsingsar is a testament to the company’s dedication to high standards and its significant contribution to India’s energy security and sustainable development goals. Through these efforts, NLCIL continues to show that responsible mining can go hand in hand with operational efficiency and growth, setting a strong example for the entire mining sector.
