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CMPDI and MECL Sign Pact to Boost Mineral Exploration in India

Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost coal and mineral exploration in India. The pact aims to enhance the national inventory of minerals and support the development of new mines as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey emphasized clean coal technologies and strategic exploration of critical minerals. The minister also highlighted transforming mine closure activities into sustainable opportunities like fox nut cultivation and fisheries for local communities.

Key Points: CMPDI, MECL Pact to Boost Mineral Exploration

  • MoU signed to enhance coal and mineral exploration
  • Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat for self-reliance
  • Emphasis on clean coal technologies and critical minerals
  • Mine closure to be transformed into sustainable socio-economic opportunities
2 min read

CMPDI, MECL ink pact to boost mineral exploration​

CMPDI and MECL sign MoU to enhance coal and mineral exploration, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable mine closure initiatives.

"The minister appreciated CMPDI's performance and emphasised the importance of clean coal technologies - Ministry of Coal statement"

New Delhi, May 15

Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited to facilitate cooperation between the two premier exploration agencies aimed at enhancing coal and mineral exploration for energy and non-energy minerals, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Coal on Friday.​

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed at a review meeting held by Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey in Ranchi, aims to enhance the national inventory of coal and other minerals and facilitate the development of new mines in the country, the statement said.​

This collaboration between the two agencies is a step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat by supporting India's mineral wealth and strengthening self-reliance in the mineral sector.​

During the review, the performance of CMPDI in various areas of operations, such as exploration, report preparation, capital expenditure, research and development projects, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and solar projects during 2025-26, was presented along with targets for 2026-27.​

The minister appreciated CMPDI's performance and emphasised the importance of clean coal technologies and the strategic exploration of critical minerals, both essential to the nation's future energy and economic security.​

The CMPDI management was instructed to simplify procurement processes, enhance transparency, and expand market outreach to prevent project delays and increase bidder participation.​

The minister highlighted the need to transform mine closure activities into sustainable socio-economic opportunities for local communities by promoting the cultivation of fox nuts (makhana) and fisheries in these reclaimed areas, in line with the Government's "One District, One Product" initiative.​

This visionary approach aims to convert abandoned mining sites into productive agricultural and aquacultural assets, ensuring long-term, sustainable economic support for local people.​

The review meeting was attended by Chaudhari Shivraj Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, CMPDI; Nilendu Kumar Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Central Coalfields Limited; and I. D. Narayan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, MECL.​

Technical directors of CMPDI, along with senior officials from CMPDI, Central Coalfields Limited and MECL, were also present at the meeting.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Happy to see CMPDI and MECL working together. But I hope they focus on critical minerals like lithium and rare earths too - that's where India's future lies. Coal is still important but we need to balance with clean tech. The minister's emphasis on clean coal technologies is welcome.
R
Rohit P
The "One District, One Product" approach for mine closure is very innovative! Converting abandoned mines into makhana ponds and fisheries will directly benefit local communities. This is what sustainable development looks like - economic growth without forgetting the people.
S
Siddharth J
Good to see the government pushing for transparency in procurement processes. That's where many projects get delayed. But I'm cautiously optimistic - we've seen many MoUs before that didn't translate to action. Hope this one is different and we see real progress in mineral exploration. 🤞
K
Kavya N
While this MoU is positive, I hope the environmental impact of increased mining is properly assessed. We can't just dig for minerals without thinking about deforestation, water pollution, and displacement of tribals. Sustainable exploration should mean minimal damage to ecosystems. Just saying...
J
James A
Interesting development. As someone working in mining, I can say collaboration between exploration agencies is crucial for efficiency. The focus on critical minerals is smart - India needs to secure supply chains for batteries and electronics. One question though: are they involving state geological departments in this?

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