Jaipur: Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited (MECL) has commenced G-3 stage exploratory drilling for Rare Earth Elements (REE) and copper at the Hirnoda Block in Jaipur, Rajasthan, marking a fresh step in the exploration of critical and strategic mineral resources.
The drilling activity began on September 7, 2026, under the administrative control of the Mundi Project. The exploration is being undertaken as part of MECL’s ongoing mineral exploration programme under the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMEDT) framework.
MECL Starts Exploration at Hirnoda Block
The exploration programme at the Hirnoda Block focuses on identifying and assessing the potential of Rare Earth Elements and copper, both of which are important mineral resources for various industrial and strategic applications.
The drilling has commenced at the G-3 stage of mineral exploration, representing the current level of exploration activity being undertaken at the block.
Key Highlights
- Company: Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited (MECL)
- Location: Hirnoda Block, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Minerals: Rare Earth Elements (REE) and copper
- Activity: Exploratory drilling
- Drilling commenced: September 7, 2026
- Exploration stage: G-3
- Project: Mundi Project
- Framework: National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMEDT)
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Exploration Undertaken Under NMEDT Framework
The Hirnoda Block drilling programme is part of MECL’s broader mineral exploration activities being carried out under the National Mineral Exploration Trust framework.
MECL said the initiative is aimed at supporting the exploration of critical and strategic mineral resources and strengthening mineral resource assessment through systematic exploration. The programme is being executed under the administrative control of the Mundi Project.
Focus on Rare Earth Elements and Copper
The exploration programme is focused on two key mineral categories:
- Rare Earth Elements (REE): Critical minerals that have applications across advanced technology and strategic industries.
- Copper: An important industrial metal widely used in electrical, infrastructure and manufacturing applications.
The commencement of drilling will help advance the geological investigation of the Hirnoda Block and assess its mineral potential at the G-3 exploration stage.
MECL Strengthens Critical Mineral Exploration
The latest initiative aligns with the broader focus on identifying and developing India’s domestic resources of critical and strategic minerals. Through exploration activities such as the Hirnoda Block project, MECL is contributing to the assessment of mineral resources that can support India’s industrial and strategic requirements.
Further exploration outcomes will depend on the findings generated through the ongoing drilling and subsequent geological assessment.
About Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited (MECL)
Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) is a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, engaged in mineral exploration and consultancy services. The company undertakes exploration activities for various minerals and contributes to the development of India’s mineral resources through scientific and systematic exploration.
