CMPDI, MECL sign MoU to strengthen coal and mineral exploration
Synopsis
Two of India's top public-sector mineral agencies — CMPDI and MECL — have formally joined forces through an MoU signed in Ranchi, targeting a bigger national mineral inventory and faster mine development. The deal also came bundled with a directive to turn abandoned mine sites into makhana farms and fisheries — a striking pivot that links coal-sector reform to rural livelihood policy.
Key Takeaways
CMPDI and MECL signed an MoU on 15 May 2025 in Ranchi to jointly advance coal and mineral exploration.
The pact covers both energy and non-energy minerals , aiming to expand India's national mineral inventory and facilitate new mine development.
Minister of State Satish Chandra Dubey chaired the review meeting and directed CMPDI to simplify procurement and improve transparency.
Clean coal technologies and critical minerals were flagged as strategic priorities for India's energy and economic security.
Reclaimed mine closure sites are to be repurposed for fox nut (makhana) cultivation and fisheries under the 'One District, One Product' initiative.
Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 15 May 2025 in Ranchi, formalising a strategic partnership aimed at boosting exploration of both energy and non-energy minerals across India. The agreement was signed at a review meeting chaired by Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Coal.
What the MoU Covers
The pact between the two premier public-sector exploration agencies is designed to expand India's national inventory of coal and other minerals while accelerating the development of new mines. The collaboration spans coal as well as critical non-energy minerals, both of which are central to the country's energy security and industrial growth targets. Officials described the agreement as a concrete step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat — the government's self-reliance framework — in the mineral sector.
CMPDI Performance Review and 2026-27 Targets
The MoU signing coincided with a comprehensive performance review of CMPDI covering the 2025-26 fiscal year. Areas assessed included exploration output, report preparation, capital expenditure, research and development projects, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and solar energy projects. Targets for 2026-27 were also tabled at the meeting.
Minister Dubey appreciated CMPDI's performance and stressed the strategic importance of clean coal technologies and the exploration of critical minerals, calling them essential to the nation's long-term energy and economic security. CMPDI management was directed to simplify procurement processes, improve transparency, and broaden market outreach to reduce project delays and attract greater bidder participation.
Mine Closure Areas to Become Economic Assets
A notable directive from the review meeting was the push to convert mine closure sites into sustainable socio-economic opportunities for local communities. The minister highlighted the cultivation of fox nuts (makhana) and fisheries in reclaimed mining areas as viable models, aligning with the government's 'One District, One Product' initiative. The approach aims to transform what are typically abandoned industrial sites into productive agricultural and aquacultural assets, ensuring long-term livelihood support for affected populations.
Officials Present
The meeting was attended by Chaudhari Shivraj Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of CMPDI; Nilendu Kumar Singh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL); and I. D. Narayan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of MECL. Technical directors of CMPDI and senior officials from CCL and MECL were also present.
With the MoU now in place, both agencies are expected to align exploration calendars and share technical resources, setting the stage for a more coordinated push on India's mineral mapping priorities in the coming fiscal year.
Point of View
And that the Centre is now trying to get ahead of that liability. Whether these livelihood models scale beyond pilot projects, or remain aspirational talking points in review-meeting minutes, will be the real measure of this meeting's legacy.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMPDI-MECL MoU about?
The MoU is a formal cooperation agreement signed on 15 May 2025 between Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) to jointly enhance exploration of coal and other minerals in India. It aims to expand the national mineral inventory and support the development of new mines.
Where was the MoU signed and who presided over the event?
The MoU was signed in Ranchi at a review meeting chaired by Minister of State for Coal and Mines Satish Chandra Dubey. Senior officials from CMPDI, MECL, and Central Coalfields Limited were also present.
Why does this MoU matter for India's mineral sector?
India is working to reduce dependence on imported critical minerals while scaling up domestic coal output. A coordinated approach between its two premier exploration agencies is expected to accelerate survey timelines, reduce duplication, and fast-track mine development — all priorities under the Atmanirbhar Bharat framework.
What is the plan for mine closure sites mentioned at the review meeting?
The government has directed that reclaimed mine closure areas be converted into productive agricultural and aquacultural assets, specifically through fox nut (makhana) cultivation and fisheries. This aligns with the Centre's 'One District, One Product' initiative and is aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
What were the key directives given to CMPDI at the review meeting?
CMPDI was instructed to simplify its procurement processes, enhance transparency, and expand market outreach to reduce project delays and increase bidder participation. The minister also emphasised the importance of clean coal technologies and the strategic exploration of critical minerals.
