Centre launches web portal for star rating of mines

New Delhi: With the aim to promote sustainable mining, the Centre on Thursday launched an online portal for star rating of mines.

The Ministry of Mines through the Indian Bureau of Mines developed a template for star rating of mines. The main objective of this system is to bring all mines to a minimum standard of star rating as soon as possible to adopt sustainable practices.

At the launch of the portal, Minister of State (Independent charge) for Mines, Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy, Piyush Goyal said the scheme would be a vital step for ensuring compliance of environmental protection and social responsibility by the mining sector.

The Minister has given a December 31 deadline for the rating of all mines.

"Based on the performance of the mining leases, a one to five star rating would be given to the mines. The star rating will be done initially for mines of major minerals. The positive impact of getting higher star rating will drive miners to quickly adopt sustainable mining practices," a statement said.

An apex committee under the chairmanship of secretary (mines) and members drawn from various ministries and reputed institutions was constituted to facilitate and resolve issues in initial implementation of the rating.

The first pilot roll-out of sustainable development framework was launched in the Sukinda Chromite mine of Tata Steel in Odisha in January.