Dikhyaa Mohanty 
At the Ministry of Coal’s Star Rating Awards, state-owned Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), a division of Coal India Limited, took home the highest honors. Nine of its coal mines were awarded the coveted 5-Star Rating for 2023–2024. The Gopalji-Kaniha Expansion project, seven opencast mines, Kulda, Ananta, Samleshwari, Bhubaneswari, Lajkura, and Belpahar, as well as two underground mines, Hirakhand-Bun dia and Orient Colliery Mine Nos. 1 & 2, are included in the recognition.
Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt, Minister of State for Coal & Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, and Union Minister of Coal & Mines G Kishan Reddy presented the prizes in Mumbai. On behalf of the firm, the prizes were accepted by MCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director Uday Anant Kaole, Director (Finance) A K Behura, and Area General Managers of the corresponding mines.
On a scale of 1 to 5, the Star Rating system rates mines according to criteria such economic contribution, environmental sustainability, operational excellence, safety performance, and technology adoption. The greatest standard of quality in coal mining is represented by a 5-Star grade. According to MCL, the honor highlights its commitment to ethical and ecological mining methods as well as its role in guaranteeing the nation’s energy security.
