CMPDI and SECL Chiefs Meet to Boost Collaboration on New Mining Projects

New Delhi: In a significant move to accelerate India’s coal production capabilities, the heads of two major coal industry entities met on January 15, 2026, to discuss a unified roadmap for future mining operations.

Shri Chaudhari Shivraj Singh, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI), held a high-level meeting with Shri Harish Duhan, CMD of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), at the SECL headquarters in Bilaspur. They were joined by Shri R. K. Singh, Executive Director of Exploration at Coal India Limited (CIL).

Strategic Alignment on Infrastructure and Innovation

The primary objective of the meeting was to strengthen institutional coordination between the planning arm (CMPDI) and the operational arm (SECL) of the coal sector. The leaders focused on several key areas aimed at modernizing India’s energy landscape:

• New Mining Projects: Discussions centered on identifying and fast-tracking new mining sites to meet rising national energy demands.

• Integrated Mine Planning: Both parties emphasized the need for detailed, data-driven planning to ensure that new projects are viable and efficient from day one.

• Technological Advancement: A major portion of the dialogue was dedicated to leveraging advanced technologies. This includes using digital mapping and automated systems to enhance operational efficiency.

• Sustainability Goals: The leaders explored ways to integrate sustainable mining practices, ensuring that increased production does not come at the cost of environmental health.

Strengthening the Core of Coal India

As SECL remains one of the largest coal-producing subsidiaries of Coal India Limited, this collaboration with CMPDI is crucial. CMPDI provides the essential technical consultancy and mineral exploration services that allow SECL to execute large-scale mining operations safely and effectively.

By aligning their strategies, the two organizations aim to streamline the transition from exploration to active mining, reducing project timelines and improving overall resource recovery.