UltraTech’s Mine Awarded India’s First Ever 7-Star Rating For A Limestone Mine

Thirteen of UltraTech Cement Limited’s Limestone Mines were recognised for excellence in sustainable mining by the Indian Bureau of Mines, Ministry of Mines for FY 2023-24 at an award ceremony held on 7th July 2025 at Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Of the thirteen recognised mines, twelve of UltraTech’s Limestone mines were awarded a 5-Star rating, while the Naokari Limestone Mine, part of Awarpur Cement Works, an integrated manufacturing unit of UltraTech located in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, was conferred the highest distinction of being awarded a 7-star rating for exceptional work towards ‘Green Mining’. UltraTech holds the distinction of being accorded a 5-star rating for the highest number of mines across all categories of Minerals (Limestone, Iron Ore, Bauxite, Lead Zinc, Manganese) in the reporting year financial year 2023-24, for the second consecutive time.

The Naokari Limestone Mine has received a 5-star rating every year since the award’s introduction. The unit was recognised with a 7-star rating this year for its commendable work towards ‘Zero-Waste Mining’, and its numerous sustainable mining initiatives such as the usage of lime sludge and paper mills to increase the lifespan of the mine. Awarpur Cement Works unit was also commended for its women empowerment programmes in mining, such as the Dharanya Kanya Scheme – training women as operators for heavy earth moving machinery. Awarpur Cement Works unit undertakes sustainability initiatives to enhance decarbonisation, such as the use of floating solar panels and waste heat recovery systems in cement manufacturing.

At the programme marking the event, the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Mr. G. Kishan Reddy, felicitated UltraTech, India’s largest cement and Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) company, for the outstanding achievements of these mines towards sustainable development and operation for the performance year 2023–24. The felicitation ceremony was also graced by Mr. Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan.

UltraTech’s endeavours in driving excellence in mining are in line with the Indian Bureau of Mines’ goals towards sustainable mining, green mining, efficient operations, and technology-driven mineral processing.

Conceptualised by the Ministry of Mines, the Star ratings are based on adoption of best practices for exhaustive and universal implementation of Sustainable Development Framework in mining. 7-star and 5-star ratings, highest in the rating scheme, are given to mines that perform exceptionally well and best on parameters such as scientific and efficient mining, compliance of approved production, zero waste mining, environment protection, steps taken for progressive and final mine closure, green energy sourcing, land, adoption of international standards, local community engagement and welfare programmes, resettlement, and other social impacts.