New Delhi, October 21, 2024: The Ministry of Coal successfully organized the Star Rating Awards Ceremony for Coal & Lignite Mines, Stakeholder Consultation on Mine Developers cum Operators (MDOs), and the release of the Coal Directory of India in New Delhi today. The event, aimed at recognizing the exceptional performance of Coal and Lignite mines, engaging with key stakeholders, and providing valuable insights into the coal sector, concluded on a high note. The occasion was graced by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, as the Chief Guest, with the Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, as the Guest of Honour.
During the event, Union minister of Coal and Mines Shri G Kishan Reddy led an interactive session with stakeholders’ of MDOs to address the critical issues pertaining to Ministry of Power, Railways, MOEF&CC and DGMS. The session aimed at fostering the deeper understanding of challenges faced by MDOs and emphasised on inter – ministerial coordination. Representatives from these ministries actively participated in the discussion, offering their insights and perspectives on the issues raised by MDOs. Moreover, they assured MDOs of their full support. They emphasized to work closely to streamline processes and remove bottleneck that could hinder coal production and dispatch. The session marked a significant step towards building a more responsive and cohesive ecosystem for coal sector.
In his keynote address, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, underscored the significance of the MDO framework in enhancing coal production. He commended the dedication of MDOs, noting that their hard work plays a crucial role in achieving production targets. Emphasizing the importance of coordination with state governments, he highlighted that the demand for energy is expected to soar in the coming years, with coal remaining the primary source of energy.
The Minister further emphasized that the coal industry has been a pivotal force in propelling our nation’s progress and the effective MDO engagement will significantly contribute to reducing imports and increasing the self-sufficiency of the coal sector, furthering the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, of achieving Aatmanirbharta in the coal sector.
The Minister also addressed the welfare and safety of mine workers and their families, recognizing the sacrifices made by those who give up their land for mining operations. He further added that we should act with humanity to all the mine workers.
The Minister stressed the need to increase domestic coal production while reducing imports and highlighted the importance of completing scientific mine closures, calling for collective contributions to mine closure activities. Minister said that in the next 3-4 years, not a single mine should remain where the mine closure has not been completed. India aims to be a global benchmark in this crucial area, leading the way in responsible mine closure practices. He congratulated all the awardees and assured to work in collaboration.
Shri Reddy also emphasised on commitment towards responsible practices, safety, and environmental standards. He also reinforced the collective commitment to advancing sustainability and innovation in the coal mining sector, paving the way for a more secure energy future for the nation.
Guest of Honour and Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey shared his insights on the role of MDOs in India’s coal sector, stating that MDOs are a critical component of India’s coal sector. Today’s discussions have brought together key stakeholders who are leading the charge in shaping the future of coal mining in our country. It is essential to recognize that the collaboration between the government and the private sector is crucial for ensuring the sustainable and efficient growth of our coal industry, he said. Minister also congratulated the awardees and highlighted the importance of the Star Rating System in encouraging environmentally sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt delivered an insightful address, emphasizing the evolving landscape of coal mining and the crucial role of MDOs. He stated that the MDO framework is becoming a critical element in ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and long-term growth in this industry. This model allows us to leverage the expertise and operational capabilities of the private sector, thereby enhancing the overall performance and output of the coal-mining sector. The efficient and sustainable expansion of our coal industry depends on this synergy between the public and private sectors.
During the event, the Ministry of Coal presented the Star Rating Awards, recognizing 43 mines that achieved the prestigious Five Star Rating for the year 2022-23, with 4 mines ranked first, 2 ranked second, and 6 ranked third. The awards serve to recognize exceptional performance in key areas such as mining operations, environmental practices, and worker safety, encouraging a culture of excellence in the sector. During the event, iGOT-Karmayogi Awards were also presented by the Ministry of Mines, recognizing excellence in various categories.
Additionally, the stakeholder consultation provided a crucial platform for open dialogue between the Ministry and MDOs, focusing on streamlining operations, enhancing productivity, and addressing operational challenges. This initiative is expected to boost coal production, reduce reliance on imported coal, and introduce advanced technology into the mining sector.
The Coal Directory launched will serve as a comprehensive repository of insights into coal and lignite production, sectoral dispatches, and other critical aspects of the coal industry. The Swachhata Awards were also presented, honouring initiatives that maintain high standards of cleanliness and sustainability within the sector.
Through all these initiatives, the Ministry of Coal reiterated its commitment to enhancing the performance of coal and lignite mines, fostering industry collaboration, and driving the growth and development of the Indian coal sector. The event concluded with a renewed focus on sustainable practices and a forward-looking approach to meet the nation’s energy needs.
PIB
