Bizz Buzz Bureau Hyderabad

Fivemines of the Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) have been selected for the prestigious 5-star rating in the National Coal Mine Rating Programme conducted annually by the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. According to the list released by the Ministry of Coal, RK Newtech and RK-6 mines of Srirampur area, JVR OC-II of Sathupalli area, Khairiguda Open Cast of Bellampalli area and RG OC-I of Ramagundam-III area have been recognised as 5-star rated mines.

Out of 382 coal mines across the country that applied for the 5-star rating, only 50 mines were selected, of which five belong to SCCL, marking a significant achievement for the company. Last year, four Singareni mines had received the 5-star rating. This year, for the assessment year 2024-25, SCCL has achieved its highest-ever tally of five 5-Star rated mines, the best performance in the company's history.

Congratulating the officers, employees and workers of the award-winning mines, Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Energy Bhatti Vikramarka appreciated their outstanding performance and called upon other mines in Singareni to emulate these best practices. The Ministry of Coal conducts this annual programme through its subordinate office, the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO), to encourage excellence in coal mining. Mines are evaluated across seven major categories covering 50 performance parameters, including scientific mining practices, workers' welfare, environmental protection, mine safety and development of nearby villages.

Every year, the Coal Controller Organisation invites coal mines across the country to participate in the 5-Star Rating programme. Government and private coal mining companies voluntarily undertake a self-evaluation of their mines based on the prescribed criteria and submit their applications. The assessment primarily examines seven major areas, including scientific mining practices, efficient use of mining technology, financial performance of the mine, welfare measures for mine-affected communities and nearby villages.