Coal Mining operations are expected to comply with many rules & regulations. These are mainly regarding safety, environment, rehabilitation of project affected families, welfare of workers etc. Although all the Mines are expected to comply with all the regulations, there are some digressions in varying degrees. The Mining sector has kept evolving and becoming more efficient. Safer Mining techniques are coming up. Some Mines are leading others in terms of adoption of best practices. Also, there is considerable variation if we consider the economic performance of different Mines. It becomes important to identify the best performers in terms of the above-mentioned areas and give them due recognition. The Star Rating of Coal Mines is expected to do the same.