PANAJI
Goa government will honour top-performing leaseholders, involved in mining of minor minerals with “Star Ratings” based on their performance in environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects.
The Directorate of Mines and Geology has introduced Goa Star Rating for Minor Minerals Rules 2025, under which mining operations would be evaluated based on Five Star Rating System.
“The Star Rating System for minor minerals is designed to encourage sustainable mining practices by evaluating and recognizing mining leaseholders based on their performance in ESG aspects. This system aims to foster transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in mining operations,” Director Mines Narayan Gad said in the notification issued.
The rules aims at promoting sustainable mining practices by encouraging mining activities that minimise environmental impact and enhance socio-economic benefits, enhance transparency, accountability and compliance by motivating mining leaseholders to adhere to legal and regulatory requirements.
For performance assessment, 30 per cent weightage will be given to systematic and sustainable mining, 25 per cent to protection of environment and conservation of water, 15 per cent towards health safety and welfare of workers and another 30 per cent for statutory compliance.
Mining leaseholders who score above 80 per cent would be awarded 5 Star Rating, while those between 60-80 per cent will get 4 Star. Mines with 50-60 per cent compliance score will get 3 Star, the one with 2 Star will have a score from 40-50 per cent. Those below 25 per cent score will have no rating.
Director said that the Star rating will be assessed annually through a third party, based on the mining leaseholders’ performance against the defined criteria.
The lessees will have to submit a duly signed self-assessment form to the department after the end of each financial year (i.e. 01st April to 31st March) by 31st May of the subsequent financial year.
“The Star Rating Criteria for Minor Minerals provides a robust framework for promoting sustainable mining practices, enhancing transparency, and recognizing exemplary performance. By adopting these guidelines, states can ensure that mining operations contribute positively to the environment and society while maintaining economic viability,” Gad said.
