Raipur: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has secured a 5-star rating for five of its mines under the Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating Assessment for the financial year 2024-25, marking the highest number of SECL mines to receive the prestigious recognition in a single assessment year.
The recognised facilities include four underground mines—Bangwar and Khairaha in the Sohagpur Area, Beherabandh in the Johilla Area, and Vijay West in the Hasdeo Area. The Jagannathpur Opencast Project in the Bhatgaon Area is the fifth mine and the only opencast project from SECL to receive the 5-star rating this year.
The Ministry of Coal assesses coal and lignite mines across the country through a comprehensive evaluation framework. To achieve a 5-star rating, mines must demonstrate excellence in scientific and safe mining practices, environmental management, land reclamation, adoption of modern technologies, occupational safety, employee welfare, statutory compliance, and corporate social responsibility.
The four underground mines earned recognition for their outstanding performance in safety standards, production efficiency, and environmental management, while the Jagannathpur Opencast Project stood out for its overburden management, water conservation measures, and green initiatives.
SECL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Harish Duhan said the achievement reflects the collective efforts of the company’s employees and stakeholders. He emphasized that safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible mining will continue to remain SECL’s priority, supported by the adoption of modern mining technologies.
A subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), SECL operates coal mines across Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. The company plans to introduce advanced technological upgrades across its operational areas to further enhance safety, efficiency, and support the country’s growing energy requirements.
