NLC India Limited (NLCIL), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Coal, has once again cemented its position as a leader in sustainable and responsible mining, with all five of its operating mines receiving prestigious Star Ratings for 2023–24 from the Ministry of Coal.The Star Rating scheme, introduced in 2019, evaluates mines across seven key parameters, including operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, safety, technological adoption, rehabilitation, and worker welfare. Since the inception of the framework, NLCIL has ensured 100 per cent participation, setting a benchmark for transparency and consistent performance.At a ceremony held in Mumbai on 4 September 2025, the awards were presented by Union Minister for Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry. The Minister praised the collective role of both public and private coal companies in advancing the Prime Minister’s vision of energy independence and Viksit Bharat by 2047.Receiving the awards on behalf of NLCIL were Chairman and Managing Director Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, along with senior executives Dr. Suresh Chandra Suman, Shri Jasper Rose I S, Shri Cheruku Dayanand, and Shri Vijaykumar V Balke.Among the top performers:• Lignite Mine-IA of Neyveli secured a Five-Star Rating, ranking among the top three opencast mines in the country.• Talabira II & III OCP and Barsingsar Lignite Mine also earned Five-Star Ratings.• Lignite Mine-I and Lignite Mine-II achieved commendable Four-Star Ratings.Over the years, NLCIL’s five mines have collectively secured 29 Star Ratings, including 21 Five-Star awards—the highest proportion of top-tier ratings among all mining entities in India. This consistent performance underscores NLCIL’s leadership in safety, innovation, and environmentally conscious operations.Despite operating a smaller mining base, NLCIL continues to outperform larger coal and lignite peers, consistently securing No. 1 national rankings for its mines. The organisation is also executing a clear strategy to double its mining capacity within the next five years, driven by technology and sustainability.CMD Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli expressed pride in the achievement, stating:“These Star Ratings reflect our team’s relentless focus on safety, sustainability, and technology-driven productivity. We remain committed to responsible growth and excellence in every facet of mining.”NLCIL’s performance not only reinforces its role as a reliable contributor to India’s energy security but also sets benchmarks in competitive, ethical, and sustainable mining.