TFP Bureau, Ambikapur; May 12, 2024: The Parsa East Kanta Basan (PEKB) opencast coal mine, located in Chhattisgarh and operated by Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL) in Surguja district, has been honored with the prestigious Five Star Award by the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, for the fourth consecutive year. This accolade acknowledges PEKB’s outstanding performance across rigorous parameters including mine operation systems, environmental safety, security arrangements, and adoption of advanced equipment.
The PEKB coal mine plays a crucial role in supplying coal to the state’s 4340 MW thermal power projects, benefiting approximately eight crore consumers with affordable and uninterrupted electricity. The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, conducts a stringent evaluation process for both open-cast and underground mines, with specific criteria outlined across seven modules for achieving a five-star rating.
Union Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi presented the Five Star Mine award to PEKB at a public ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The award was received by Director (Technical) Shri Devendra Shringi on behalf of Rajasthan State Electricity Generation Corporation.
The assessment process involves transparent self-assessment and validation to ensure compliance with stringent evaluation criteria related to mining operations, environmental impact, technology adoption, economic performance, rehabilitation, resettlement, and employee health and safety. PEKB Mines achieved an impressive score of 93 percent in the evaluation for the year 2022-23.
The star rating system is based on the sum of maximum marks across applicable parameters, where a score of 91 to 100 percent earns a five-star rating. The validation process is overseen by the ‘Coal Controller’s Organisation’ of the Ministry of Coal through regional offices of the Chief Controlling Officer, ensuring impartial verification by independent committees.
PEKB Mine’s consistent achievement of a 93 percent score in the year 2022-23 reflects its commitment to operational excellence and environmental stewardship. The Coal Controller’s Organisation of the Ministry of Coal validates the self-assessment results, ensuring transparency and accuracy in the rating process.
The award ceremony also included the presentation of official certificates by the Chief Controlling Officer, highlighting PEKB’s star rating and reporting year. Adani Natural Resources of the Adani Group serves as the mining developer and operator for the PEKB mine, showcasing a collaborative effort towards sustainable mining practices in Chhattisgarh.
