New Delhi: Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI), a Mini-Ratna company, has outlined an ambitious diversification strategy focused on expanding beyond coal into critical minerals, rare earth elements (REEs), metal mining, carbon management and advanced mining technologies.
The focus on business diversification and global expansion was highlighted during the 52nd Coal India Foundation Day celebrations held at Rabindra Bhawan, CMPDI headquarters, Ranchi.
Addressing the gathering, CMPDI Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Chaudhari Shivraj Singh emphasised the need to strengthen the organisation’s capabilities in emerging mining sectors and position it as a world-class global mining consultancy.
The celebration was attended by Director (Technical/P&D) Ajay Kumar; Director (Technical/ES) Rajeev Kumar Sinha; Director (Technical/RD&T, BD) Anand Mohan; Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) Pankaj Kumar; and CIL Executive Director (Exploration) R.K. Singh. Regional Directors, General Managers, Heads of Departments and representatives of trade unions and officers’ associations also participated.
CMPDI Focuses on Diversification Beyond Coal
Addressing employees and officials, CMD Chaudhari Shivraj Singh acknowledged the contribution of CMPDI’s human resources to the growth of the organisation and Coal India Limited (CIL).
He called for expanding CMPDI’s business beyond its traditional coal-focused operations and developing expertise in critical minerals, rare earth elements, metal mining, carbon management and advanced mining technologies.
He also stressed the importance of transforming CMPDI into a strategic knowledge partner and a globally recognised mining consultancy that promotes smarter, greener and more sustainable mining practices.
Shivraj Singh outlined a broader vision for the organisation’s transformation across three key areas:
- From a technical consultant to a strategic knowledge partner.
- From a national mining technology leader to a global mining consultancy.
- From a coal-centric organisation to a diversified mining and minerals knowledge enterprise.
The proposed direction is aimed at strengthening CMPDI’s role in the evolving mining and minerals sector while supporting sustainable and technology-driven development.
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Ajay Kumar Highlights Technology and Sustainable Mining
Director (Technical/P&D) Ajay Kumar said CMPDI would continue contributing to Coal India’s growth through technological excellence, innovation and sustainable mining practices.
His remarks highlighted the importance of strengthening technical capabilities and adopting innovative solutions to support the organisation’s future growth and diversification plans.
CMPDI Recognises Regional Institutes and Employee Achievements
The 52nd Foundation Day celebration also recognised the outstanding contributions of CMPDI’s Regional Institutes, departments and employees through various corporate, group and individual awards.
Among the regional awards, Regional Institute-VII, Bhubaneswar, was adjudged the Best Regional Institute.
The Best Hydrostatic Drilling Camp award went to Kusmunda Camp of RI-V, while Murpar Camp of RI-IV received the Best Mechanical Drilling Camp award.
The Best Drilling Crew awards were presented to the teams operating Hydrostatic Rig CT-14-03 at Kusmunda Camp and Mechanical Rig RD-05 at Murpar Camp.
Individual Awards for Excellence and Innovation
Several employees were recognised for their contributions to geological services and innovation.
The awards for excellence in Geological Services went to:
- Anil Kumar, Deputy Manager (Geology), RI-VI.
- Rahul Kar, Manager (Geology), RI-IV.
- Anirban Mondal, Senior Manager (Geology), RI-IV.
Mohd Ahmad, Assistant Manager (Civil), RI-V, received the Innovation Award.
Corporate and Group Awards
CMPDI’s Regional Institutes and departments also received recognition in various corporate award categories.
- RI-VII received awards for Environment Laboratory Services and Geomatics Services.
- The Coal Characterisation Laboratory at CMPDI Headquarters was recognised under Other Laboratory Services.
- RI-II received the Social Media Award.
- RI-IV was recognised for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Under the Group Awards category, the Civil, Geology and Environment Departments at Headquarters and the Science & Technology Department at Headquarters were recognised.
Ramprasad Adhikary, Chief Manager (Geology), RI-II, received the Individual Excellence and Special Achievement Award.
Young Executive and Lifetime Achievement Awards
The Young Executive Awards were presented to three officers for their contributions:
- Neelay Giri, Manager (Mining), RI-I.
- Vivek Kumar, Deputy Manager (Environment), RI-III.
- Subham Raj Jindal, Deputy Manager (Environment), RI-VI.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards recognised the distinguished contributions of eight senior officers:
- Shambhu Sharan
- Surendra Kr Gupta
- Shishir Dutta
- Herambara Rao Sonapuram
- Anand Shekhar
- Somesh Kumar
- S. Jayakumar
- S. K. Das
The awards acknowledged the contributions of employees and teams towards CMPDI’s technical, operational and organisational development.
About Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI)
Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI) is a Mini-Ratna public sector undertaking and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited. Headquartered in Ranchi, Jharkhand, it provides consultancy and technical services in mine planning, exploration, environmental management, mine design and related areas. CMPDI plays an important role in supporting the planning, development and technological advancement of India’s coal and mining sectors.
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