FCC

UltraTech’s Limestone Mine Gets India’s First-Ever 7-Star Rating

2025-07-07

UltraTech Cement, India’s largest producer of cement and Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC), has received top honours for sustainable mining practices. Thirteen of the company’s limestone mines were awarded star ratings by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Ministry of Mines, for FY 2023–24 during a ceremony held in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Among these, the Naokari Limestone Mine—part of UltraTech’s Awarpur Cement Works in Chandrapur, Maharashtra—was awarded India’s first-ever 7-star rating for a limestone mine, in recognition of exceptional performance in ‘Green Mining’.

The remaining twelve limestone mines earned 5-star ratings, reaffirming UltraTech’s position as the company with the highest number of 5-star rated mines across all mineral categories (limestone, iron ore, bauxite, lead-zinc, and manganese) for the second consecutive year.

The Naokari Mine has consistently received a 5-star rating since the inception of the scheme. The 7-star distinction this year recognises its efforts in zero-waste mining, use of lime sludge from paper mills to extend mine life, and sustainability-focused practices. These include the deployment of floating solar panels, waste heat recovery systems, and women empowerment programmes like the Dharanya Kanya Scheme, which trains women to operate heavy earth moving machinery.

UltraTech was felicitated by Mr G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, for its contributions to sustainable mining. Mr Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, was also present at the award ceremony.

The star ratings, developed by the Ministry of Mines, recognise mines for exemplary performance in areas such as scientific and efficient mining, environmental protection, zero-waste operations, community engagement, and green energy adoption. The 7-star and 5-star awards represent the highest benchmarks for sustainable development in the mining sector.

UltraTech’s achievements reflect its alignment with IBM’s vision for technology-led, climate-conscious, and socially responsible mining, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainability in India’s cement and minerals sector.