New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s mineral exploration and geoscientific mapping efforts, Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Eastern Region, to undertake comprehensive Ground Gravity and Magnetic (GGM) surveys under the National Geophysical Mapping Programme (NGPM) Phase-IV. The ambitious programme will be implemented across parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar during FY 2026–27 and is planned to be completed within a one-year timeframe.
Strengthening India’s Geophysical Mapping Framework
The NGPM Phase-IV initiative represents an important step forward in enhancing the country’s mineral discovery potential and improving regional resource mapping. The ground gravity and magnetic surveys will generate high-resolution geophysical data, contributing to a deeper understanding of subsurface geology and supporting future mineral exploration activities in these strategically important regions.
MECL has been a key implementation partner in the NGPM since its inception. The company has successfully completed Phases I and II, while Phase-III is currently underway. Phase-IV builds on this strong legacy and further reinforces MECL’s role as a leading geophysical survey organisation in the country.
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MoA Signing and Dignitaries Present
The MoA was formally signed by Mr. K.K.S.R.K.S. Sai, Deputy General Manager (Geophysics), MECL, and Mr. Pankaj Kumar, Deputy Director General and RMH-1 (Geophysics), GSI, Eastern Region.
The signing ceremony was graced by senior leadership from both organisations, including Varsha Ashok Aglawe, Additional Director General and Head of Department, GSI Eastern Region, and Mr. Indra Dev Narayan, Chairman and Managing Director, MECL. The event also witnessed the presence of Mr. Pankaj Pandey, Director (Technical), MECL, and Mr. Surendra Singh Kshatriya, Director (Finance), MECL.
Senior officials from GSI and MECL, including Dr. Ramesh Singh, DDG (Geophysics), GSI ER; Mr. K.N. Prasad, Director (Geophysics), GSI ER; Mr. Ramachandran Karthik, HOD, BD&C, MECL; Mr. Saurabh Vivek, Senior Manager (Geology), MECL, and other officials, were present on the occasion.
Advancing Mineral Exploration and Sustainable Development
This collaboration between MECL and GSI is expected to significantly strengthen India’s mineral exploration infrastructure. By leveraging MECL’s geophysical expertise and GSI’s long-standing legacy in geological surveys, NGPM Phase-IV will contribute to systematic national geophysical coverage, aiding informed decision-making for mineral exploration and sustainable resource development.
About MECL
Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a Miniratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, is a premier organisation engaged in mineral exploration, geophysical surveys, drilling, and consultancy services. With decades of experience and a strong track record in national-level exploration programmes, MECL plays a pivotal role in strengthening India’s mineral security and supporting the country’s long-term resource development goals.
