Jaipur: MGM Minerals Ltd.’s Iron Ore Mines at Patabeda in Sundargarh district, Odisha, has been conferred with the prestigious 5-Star rating at the ‘Felicitation Ceremony of 7 & 5 Star Rated Mines’.
The ceremony, organized by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, took place at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, on July 7, 2025.
Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, the Chairman and Managing Director of MGM Group, proudly accepted the award on behalf of the Mining Major.
The award was formally handed over by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, underscoring the importance and official recognition of this achievement.
At the 7 & 5-Star Rated Mines felicitation ceremony in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Shri Reddy congratulated mining partners and all winners for their outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainable mining, and for being true change agents in the sector.
The Star Rating system is not an administrative formality, but a robust measure for environmental standards, safety, and worker welfare.
Government Of India will continue to revise and strengthen parameters to ensure sustainability in the mining sector, said Union Minister.
This recognition highlights the MGM Minerals adherence to sustainable mining practices and operational excellence.
The ‘Felicitation Ceremony of 7 & 5 Star Rated Mines’ was a significant event aimed at acknowledging and promoting best practices in the Indian mining sector.
The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, organized the event to honor mines that have demonstrated exceptional performance across various parameters, including scientific mining, environmental protection, social responsibility, and mineral conservation.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the 5-Star rating to MGM Minerals Ltd.’s Patabeda Iron Ore Mine.
The 5-Star rating is a testament to the exemplary operational standards and commitment to sustainable development demonstrated by the Patabeda Iron Ore Mine.
What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is that Patabeda is described as a “small private mines,” yet it has been able to achieve this high level of recognition.
The 5-Star rating system, introduced by the Ministry of Mines, aims to encourage miners to adopt advanced and environmentally friendly mining practices. Mines are evaluated on a comprehensive set of criteria, including:
- Scientific Mining: Efficient and systematic extraction of minerals.
- Environmental Management: Measures taken for pollution control, reclamation, and rehabilitation of mined-out areas.
- Mineral Conservation: Optimal utilization of mineral resources and waste reduction.
- Social Performance: Contribution to local community development and welfare.
- Technological Adoption: Use of modern technology for improved efficiency and safety.
Receiving a 5-Star rating signifies that MGM Minerals Ltd.’s Patabeda mine has excelled in these areas, setting a benchmark for other small and private mining operations in the country.
The felicitation ceremony was graced by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries from the government and mining sector, highlighting the importance of the event:
Shri G. Kishan Reddy: Hon’ble Union Minister of Coal and Mines, who presented the award. Shri Sanjay Lohiya: Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India. Shri Piyush Narayan Sharma: Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines. Shri T. Ravikant: Principal Secretary, Petroleum & Mines, Government of Rajasthan.
Their presence underscored the government’s commitment to promoting responsible mining and recognizing the efforts of companies that contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector
The 5-Star rating awarded to MGM Minerals Ltd.’s Patabeda Iron Ore Mine is a significant accomplishment that reflects the company’s dedication to operational excellence and sustainable mining practices.
This recognition by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, not only celebrates the achievements of MGM Minerals Ltd. but also serves as an inspiration for other mining operations, particularly smaller private mines, to adopt similar high standards for environmental stewardship and resource management.