Centre Ends CMPDI Monopoly, Clears 18 Private Coal Explorers

The Ministry of Coal has taken a major step that changes the exploration landscape in the country. It has added 18 private agencies to the national pool of accredited prospecting firms. The notification appeared in the Gazette of India on 26 November 2025 and gives these firms full authority to carry out prospecting work for coal and lignite. 

CMPDI, based in the Ranchi Dhanbad region, managed exploration and mine planning for more than five decades. With the new decision, private firms will now share that space. This shift creates direct competition, which can improve efficiency and reduce delays for mine developers.

The Ministry used powers under the Mines and Minerals Act to notify these agencies. As a result, coal block allottees can choose any of the accredited firms and begin exploration without waiting for a prospecting licence. This saves almost six months. Faster exploration leads to faster mine operationalization and helps states like Jharkhand, which hold large coal reserves.

Jharkhand has two firms on the list. Tata Steel’s Natural Resources Division in East Singhbhum and Gems Projects Private Limited in Ranchi now qualify to take up prospecting work. Their inclusion strengthens the state’s presence in the national exploration network. 

The Ministry expects this expansion to increase competition, bring advanced technology into exploration and support India’s energy goals. With energy demand rising, quicker surveys and quicker geological reports will help boost domestic coal production.

List of Notified Agencies

1. Indian Mine Planners and Consultants, Kolkata
2. Matrix Mining Solutions Private Limited, Gurgaon
3. United Exploration India Private Limited, Kolkata
4. Maheshwari Mining Private Limited, Kolkata
5. Tata Steel Natural Resources Division, East Singhbhum, Jharkhand
6. Mining Associates Private Limited, Burdwan
7. Gemco Kati Exploration Private Limited, Chandrapur
8. South West Pinnacle Exploration Limited, Gurgaon
9. Geo Technical Mining Solutions, Dharmapuri
10. Novomine India Private Limited, East Khasi Hills
11. Surmine Consulting Private Limited, Delhi
12. Kartikay Exploration and Mining Services Private Limited, Nagpur
13. Mining Tech Consultancy Services Private Limited, Ahmedabad
14. Gems Projects Private Limited, Ranchi, Jharkhand
15. ReVal Consulting Private Limited, Ahmedabad
16. GMMCO Technology Services Limited, Hyderabad
17. Synergy Geotech Private Limited, Nagpur
18. APC Drilling and Construction Private Limited, Namakkal