MoS Coal Satish Dubey Reviews CMPDI Performance, Pushes Clean Coal & Mine Repurposing Agenda
CMPDI signed an MoU with MECL to deepen collaboration in coal and mineral exploration
Union Minister of State for Coal & Mines Satish Chandra Dubey chaired a high-level review meeting of Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) in Ranchi, underscoring the strategic importance of clean coal technologies, critical mineral exploration, and sustainable mine closure practices.
The meeting was attended by senior leadership including CMPDI CMD Chaudhari Shivraj Singh, Nilendu Kumar Singh, CMD of Central Coalfields Limited, and I. D. Narayan of Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited, along with technical directors and senior officials.
Performance Review & Future Targets
CMPDI presented its performance across key verticals including:
- Exploration activities
- Geological report preparation
- Capital expenditure (Capex)
- R&D initiatives
- CSR programmes
- Solar energy projects
Targets for FY 2026–27 were also outlined, reflecting an expanded mandate in both coal and non-coal mineral domains.
The Minister commended CMPDI’s overall performance while stressing the urgency of:
- Accelerating clean coal technology adoption
- Scaling up critical mineral exploration
- Strengthening India’s energy security architecture
Reforms Push: Transparency & Efficiency
In a clear reform-oriented directive, Dubey called for:
- Simplification of procurement procedures
- Greater transparency in tendering
- Wider market outreach to ensure higher bidder participation
These steps, he noted, are essential to avoid project delays and enhance operational efficiency across exploration and mining projects.
Mine Closure to Livelihood Model: A Policy Shift
A key highlight of the review was the Minister’s push to transform mine closure into sustainable economic opportunities.
He proposed innovative utilisation of reclaimed mining land through:
- Makhana (Fox Nut) cultivation
- Fisheries development
This approach aligns with the Government’s One District One Product (ODOP) initiative and aims to convert abandoned mines into productive agro-aqua hubs, ensuring long-term livelihood support for local communities.
CMPDI–MECL MoU: Strengthening Exploration Ecosystem
In a significant development, CMPDI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MECL to deepen collaboration in coal and mineral exploration.
The agreement focuses on:
- Joint exploration of energy and non-energy minerals
- Enhancing the national mineral inventory
- Facilitating the development of new mining projects
The MoU is expected to strengthen synergy between India’s premier exploration agencies and accelerate resource discovery critical for economic growth.
