Chhattisgarh’s PEKB Coal Mine Receives Prestigious 5-Star Honour for Fifth Consecutive Year

Coal Ministry confers the ‘5 Star Achievers Prize’ for FY 2024-25; mine earns national recognition for safe and sustainable mining practices

AMBIKAPUR: The Parsa East and Kanta Basan (PEKB) opencast coal mine, located in Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, has once again demonstrated its excellence in the country’s mining sector. In the annual Star Rating assessment for the financial year 2024-25, conducted by the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, the mine has been awarded the prestigious 5-Star Rating along with the ‘5 Star Achievers Prize’. This marks the fifth consecutive occasion on which the mine has received this national recognition.

The prestigious award was presented by Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey during the ‘Star Rating Award Ceremony 2026’, held on November 2 at Mayfair Lake Resort in Raipur. The recognition acknowledges the mine’s adoption of safe, efficient, scientific and environment-friendly mining practices, high safety standards and operational excellence.

The PEKB mine is operated by Parsa Kente Collieries Limited and serves as a key source of coal for the thermal power projects of Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited. The coal supplied from the mine plays an important role in fuelling Rajasthan’s thermal power units with a combined capacity of 4,340 MW and ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply to millions of consumers.

Notably, both PEKB and Gare Palma Sector-III coal mines, operated by Adani Natural Resources as the Mine Developer and Operator (MDO), have secured the 5-Star Rating.

Under the assessment for FY 2024-25, only 50 coal mines across the country—15 underground and 35 opencast mines—were awarded the 5-Star Rating. The inclusion of just five mines from Chhattisgarh among the awardees is a matter of pride for the State.

The entire evaluation process is conducted transparently through independent experts and authorised agencies appointed by the Coal Controller’s Organisation. Mines are assessed against stringent parameters, including production, operational efficiency, technological innovation, health and safety, environmental management and the welfare of local communities.

Alongside mining operations, the PEKB mine places special emphasis on environmental conservation, land rehabilitation, biodiversity enhancement and expansion of green cover. The achievement demonstrates how the mine is seeking to establish a model of responsible mining by maintaining a balance between productivity, environmental sustainability and the country’s energy requirements.

The national recognition reflects the dedication and commitment of the engineers, miners and management personnel working at the mine. It also contributes to advancing the broader objectives of the country’s energy security and sustainable development.