CMPDIL, MECL Sign MoU To Strengthen Coal & Mineral Exploration

New Delhi, May 15 (KNN) Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in the field of coal and mineral exploration for energy and non-energy minerals.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey during a review meeting of CMPDI held in Ranchi.

The meeting was attended by Chaudhari Shivraj Singh, Nilendu Kumar Singh and I. D. Narayan, along with senior officials from CMPDI, Central Coalfields Limited and MECL.

According to an official release, the collaboration between the two premier exploration agencies is expected to enhance the national inventory of coal and other minerals and facilitate the development of new mines in the country.

The agreement aims to strengthen joint exploration activities and improve technical cooperation in the exploration of critical minerals, coal and other strategic resources essential for India’s future energy and economic security.

During the review meeting, CMPDI presented its performance across exploration activities, report preparation, capital expenditure, research and development projects, CSR initiatives and solar projects during 2025–26, along with targets for 2026–27.

MoS Dubey appreciated CMPDI’s performance and emphasised the importance of clean coal technologies and strategic exploration of critical minerals. He also directed CMPDI management to simplify procurement processes, improve transparency and strengthen market outreach to avoid project delays and encourage greater bidder participation.

The Minister additionally highlighted the need to transform mine closure activities into sustainable socio-economic opportunities for local communities. He suggested promoting fox nut (makhana) cultivation and fisheries in reclaimed mining areas under the government’s ‘One District, One Product’ initiative to create long-term livelihood opportunities.

(KNN Bureau)