UltraTech Cement Limited has achieved a landmark milestone in India’s mining sector, with its Naokari Limestone Mine being awarded the country’s first-ever 7-star rating by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Ministry of Mines. The recognition, announced at a ceremony on July 7, 2025, in Jaipur, celebrates exemplary sustainable mining practices across India.
In total, 13 limestone mines operated by UltraTech received top honors, with 12 securing 5-star ratings and the Naokari Mine in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, standing out with the 7-star distinction. This rating acknowledges the mine’s advanced environmental practices, including zero-waste mining and circular use of industrial by-products like lime sludge and paper mill waste to enhance mine longevity.
The Naokari Mine, under the Awarpur Cement Works unit, has consistently received a 5-star rating since the inception of the scheme and elevated its standing this year by implementing impactful sustainability strategies. These include floating solar installations, waste heat recovery, and social programs such as the Dharanya Kanya Scheme, which trains women to operate heavy machinery, promoting gender inclusion in mining operations.
At the award ceremony, Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy lauded UltraTech for its contribution to responsible mining. The event was also attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, who acknowledged the company’s leadership in setting new benchmarks in sustainable resource extraction.
UltraTech has once again emerged 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. These awards are aligned with the Ministry of Mines’ Sustainable Development Framework, which assesses mining practices on parameters such as scientific mining, environmental compliance, community engagement, mine closure, use of clean energy, and zero waste.
The star rating system, initiated by the Ministry, is intended to promote transparency and excellence in mining. The 5-star and 7-star ratings represent the highest level of performance, reserved for operations that demonstrate innovation, regulatory compliance, environmental consciousness, and positive community impact.
UltraTech Cement is the flagship cement business of the Aditya Birla Group. With a turnover of USD 8.4 billion, it ranks as the third-largest cement manufacturer globally (excluding China) and operates with a total grey cement capacity of 192.26 million tonnes per annum. A signatory of the GCCA Climate Ambition 2050, UltraTech has pledged to advance the Net Zero Concrete Roadmap, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable development.
