Ministry of Mines implements sustainable mining for Star rating
COAL & MINING

Ministry of Mines implements sustainable mining for Star rating

The Ministry of Mines has executed sustainable mining by making provisions under Chapter-V of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017.

Accordingly, Rule 35 of the MCDR provides a star grade to mining leases depending on the miners' sustainable mining practices.

As per the National Mineral Policy 2019, sustainable mining is described as financially viable, socially liable, environmentally, technically, and scientifically useful mining practices with a long-term development perspective.

It has optimal use of mineral resources and ensures sustainable post-closure land uses.

All miners, including private miners, follow the sustainable mining regulations of Chapter V of the MCDR 2017 and the star grading system designed for lease review.

Star rating has been made compulsory under Rule 35(2) of MCDR, 2017, and all mining leaseholders have to submit an online self-assessment report before 1st day of July every year for the last financial year (FY), including the digital images of mining lease area according to the rule 34A of the said rules to the Regional Controller or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines.

Moreover, according to Rule 35(4) of MCDR, 2017, each holder of a mining lease shall complete at least a three-star rating within four years from the date of the beginning of mining operations and maintain the same on a year-on-year (YoY) basis.

Image Source

Also read: GSI hands over 15 state govts with 52 mining block reports

The Ministry of Mines has executed sustainable mining by making provisions under Chapter-V of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR), 2017. Accordingly, Rule 35 of the MCDR provides a star grade to mining leases depending on the miners' sustainable mining practices. As per the National Mineral Policy 2019, sustainable mining is described as financially viable, socially liable, environmentally, technically, and scientifically useful mining practices with a long-term development perspective. It has optimal use of mineral resources and ensures sustainable post-closure land uses. All miners, including private miners, follow the sustainable mining regulations of Chapter V of the MCDR 2017 and the star grading system designed for lease review. Star rating has been made compulsory under Rule 35(2) of MCDR, 2017, and all mining leaseholders have to submit an online self-assessment report before 1st day of July every year for the last financial year (FY), including the digital images of mining lease area according to the rule 34A of the said rules to the Regional Controller or the authorised officer of the Indian Bureau of Mines. Moreover, according to Rule 35(4) of MCDR, 2017, each holder of a mining lease shall complete at least a three-star rating within four years from the date of the beginning of mining operations and maintain the same on a year-on-year (YoY) basis. Image Source Also read: GSI hands over 15 state govts with 52 mining block reports

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Coal Ministry Achieves Milestones under Special Campaign 5.0

The Ministry of Coal and its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have achieved notable milestones under the Special Campaign 5.0, focusing on cleanliness, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the coal sector. During the implementation phase from 2–31 October 2025, over 1,205 sites were cleaned, covering 68,04,087 sq ft, nearing the target of 82,51,511 sq ft. Scrap disposal of 5,813 MT against a target of 8,678 MT generated Rs 228.7 million in revenue. In addition, 1,11,248 physical and 30,331 electronic files were reviewed, with 74,123 weeded out or closed. Key initiatives showc..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Vesting Orders Issued for Three Coal Blocks under Commercial Auctions

The Ministry of Coal’s Nominated Authority has issued vesting orders for three coal blocks under commercial coal block auctions on 23 October 2025. The Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for these mines were earlier signed on 21 August 2025. The three blocks include Rajgamar Dipside (Deavnara), Tangardihi North, and Mahuagarhi. Of these, two are partially explored while one is fully explored, with a combined peak rated capacity of around 1 MTPA and geological reserves of approximately 1,484.41 million tonnes. These mines are expected to generate annual revenue of abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

TEC, IIT-Hyderabad Partner to Boost 6G and Telecom Standards

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) for joint research and technical collaboration in advanced telecom technologies and standardisation. The partnership focuses on developing India-specific standards and test frameworks for next-generation networks, including 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). It also aims to enhance India’s participation in international standardisation f..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?