Ranchi: Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDI), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has announced robust operational performance for FY 2025–26, exceeding its drilling and seismic survey targets and outlining new strategic expansion plans in critical mineral exploration.
The disclosures were made under Regulation 30 of SEBI Listing Regulations, highlighting both operational achievements and future investment plans.
Drilling Performance Exceeds Targets by 5%
CMPDI achieved a strong milestone in its core exploration activities by surpassing its annual drilling target.
Key Highlights:
- Target: 11.00 lakh meters
- Achievement: 11.505 lakh meters
- Performance: 105% of target
- Growth: ~14% year-on-year
Drilling Breakdown:
- Departmental drilling: 4.30 lakh meters
- Outsourced drilling: 6.70 lakh meters
This performance reflects improved operational efficiency and execution capability across exploration projects.
Seismic Survey Activity Also Beats Targets
The company also delivered better-than-expected results in seismic exploration.
- Target: 450 Line Km (2D/3D seismic survey)
- Achievement: 455.228 Line Km
- Performance: 101% of target
- Growth: ~4% year-on-year
These surveys play a key role in identifying underground mineral and coal reserves.
Strategic MoU Signed with MECL for 2026–2031
CMPDI has finalized a draft five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL).
MoU Duration:
- Start: April 1, 2026
- End: March 31, 2031
Scope of Agreement:
- Energy mineral exploration
- Non-energy mineral exploration
- Consultancy assignments outside Coal India group
This renewal continues a long-standing partnership between the two PSUs, which has been operational since FY 2008–09.
Rare Earth Element (REE) Exploration Project in Rajasthan
In a major diversification move, CMPDI has entered the critical minerals sector with the acquisition of a Rare Earth Element (REE) exploration block.
Project Location:
- Nawatala–Devigarh Block
- Balotra and Jodhpur districts, Rajasthan
Key Details:
- Final Price Offer: 36.45% revenue share
- Letter of Intent issued by Government of Rajasthan
- Total estimated exploration cost: ₹24.88 crore (5 years)
- Exploration stages: G4, G3, G2
FY27 Capital Expenditure:
- ₹5.43 crore approved for G4-stage exploration
Financial Benefits:
- 50% reimbursement from National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)
- Revenue share from future mining lease operator
This marks CMPDI’s entry into strategic rare earth mineral exploration, aligning with India’s push for critical mineral self-reliance.
Strengthening India’s Mineral Exploration Ecosystem
CMPDI’s latest performance and strategic initiatives reinforce its position as a leading exploration agency supporting India’s energy security and mineral independence.
Key outcomes include:
- Higher efficiency in coal exploration
- Expansion into critical minerals like rare earth elements
- Strong collaboration with MECL for nationwide exploration programs
Investor Takeaways
- Drilling achievement: 105% of target
- Seismic survey achievement: 101% of target
- Strong year-on-year growth in exploration output
- Entry into high-value REE sector
- Long-term MoU secured with MECL (2026–2031)
- Diversified exploration portfolio beyond coal
About CMPDI
Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited is a leading consultancy and exploration PSU under Coal India Limited. The company provides services in coal exploration, mine planning, environmental management, and geoscientific studies. Over the years, CMPDI has played a critical role in ensuring India’s coal resource assessment and supporting sustainable mining development while now expanding into strategic and critical mineral exploration.
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