Coal Ministry to launch green financing framework for repurposing de-coaled mines

New Delhi: The Ministry of Coal is set to launch a green financing framework for repurposing de-coaled mines, the Ministry of Coal said in a statement on Wednesday. The framework is termed ARTHA. “The occasion will mark the release of ARTHA, a green financing framework for repurposing de-coaled mines,” said the ministry.

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Star Rating Awards Ceremony in Mumbai

The Ministry of Coal will organise a Star Rating Awards Ceremony for Coal and Lignite Mines on September 4, 2025, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. “The event will recognize coal and lignite mines across India for their exceptional performance in operational excellence, environmental care, safety, and community development,” the statement said.

The event will also feature the launch of LIVES, a practitioner’s guide for responsible mine closure, the unveiling of the redesigned Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) website with an interactive dashboard, and the presentation of awards for the Hackathon on Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS).

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy will attend as Chief Guest, along with Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey. Senior ministry officials, representatives of coal PSUs, and industry stakeholders will also be present.

Recognising best practices in coal mining

The Star Rating system, instituted by the Ministry, “acknowledge the outstanding performance of coal and lignite mines, aiming to promote responsible mining practices, enhance industry standards, and ensure sustainable growth in the sector,” the statement said.

Mines are evaluated on seven modules — mining operations, environmental parameters, adoption of technology and best practices, economic performance, rehabilitation and resettlement, worker-related compliance, and safety and security. Ratings are given on a scale from Five Star to No Star across underground, opencast and mixed categories.

42 mines achieve Five Star Rating

For the assessment year 2023–24, 383 mines participated in the evaluation. “Out of these, 42 mines have secured the prestigious Five Star Rating scoring more than 93 percent,” the ministry said. Among these, four mines achieved first rank, three secured second rank, six attained third rank, and 29 mines received the Achievers Prize.

Commitment to sustainability

“This edition of the Star Rating Awards stands as a celebration of dedication and innovation in the coal sector, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable mining practices, energy security, and community welfare,” the statement added.

According to the ministry, recognising top-performing mines will encourage broader adoption of best practices and support the vision of a “responsible and future-ready coal mining industry in India.”

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