Nagpur: City-based public sector undertaking Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has received five-star ratings for seven of its mines, the highest number secured by any company under the ministry of coal.The ratings are awarded by the ministry based on an assessment of best mining practices, with safety and environmental management among the key evaluation criteria.The ministry assesses parameters such as safety practices, environmental management, land reclamation, rehabilitation, adoption of modern technology, occupational health and safety, statutory compliance, corporate social responsibility and operational efficiency. According to WCL, the ratings serve as a benchmark for promoting responsible mining and encouraging continuous improvement across the coal sector.WCL chairman-cum-managing director Hemant Pande said the recognition reflected the collective efforts of the company’s employees.“Safe and responsible mining is our foremost priority. These ratings validate our consistent efforts to maintain the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship and operational efficiency. The seven five-star-rated mines have demonstrated exceptional performance across all parameters,” he said.The mines awarded five-star ratings are Patansaongi, Saoner No. 1 and Saoner No. 2 underground mines in the Nagpur area; Makardhokda-1 and Dinesh (MKD-III) opencast mines in the Umred area; Mungoli opencast mine in Wani; and Nandgaon Incline underground mine in the Chandrapur area.In addition, 25 WCL mines received four-star ratings, while 15 secured three-star ratings.
