Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, has disclosed its operational performance and strategic developments under Regulation 30 of SEBI Listing Regulations. The company reported significant achievements in drilling and seismic survey activities for FY 2025-26, along with the finalization of a memorandum of understanding with Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) and approval for capital expenditure on rare earth element (REE) block exploration.

Drilling and Seismic Survey Performance

CMPDI had set a drilling target of 11.00 lakh m for FY 2025-26, comprising 4.3 lakh m through departmental drills and 6.70 lakh m through outsourcing. The company achieved 11.505 lakh m of drilling, which represents 105% of the target and reflects a growth of approximately 14%.

For the 2D/3D seismic survey, the annual target was 450.00 Line Km, and the achievement stood at 455.228 Line Km, representing 101% of the target with approximately 4% growth.

MoU with MECL for Mineral Exploration

The existing MoU between CMPDI and MECL, effective from 01.04.2021 to 31.03.2026, has been operational since FY 2008-09. The primary objective of this collaboration has been to achieve exploration targets as per the Annual Programme of the Ministry of Coal and Coal India Limited subsidiaries, along with undertaking outside consultancy assignments.

A draft MoU has now been finalized between CMPDI and MECL for energy and non-energy mineral exploration works for the next five years, covering the period from 01.04.2026 to 31.03.2031.

Capital Expenditure for REE Block Exploration

CMPDI participated in an auction and submitted a Final Price Offer (FPO) of 36.45%, representing the revenue share from the value of minerals produced by the eventual Mining Lease holder. The Government of Rajasthan has issued a Letter of Intent for the Nawatala Devigarh REE block in favor of CMPDI.

The total estimated exploration expenditure for the block is ₹24.88 Crore, proposed to be incurred over a five-year period covering G4, G3, and G2 levels of exploration. CMPDI shall be entitled to 50% reimbursement of eligible exploration expenditure from the National Mineral Exploration Trust, Ministry of Mines, and revenue share from the successful Mining Lease holder as per the terms and conditions of the exploration license blocks auction by the Ministry of Mines.

The Board has approved the Exploration Scheme of Nawatala-Dewigarh REE Exploration License, Block Balotra & Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, for capital expenditure of Rs 5.43 crores for the G4 stage exploration during FY 2026-27.