Ranchi, Nov 12: Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDI), a Mini-Ratna company, has outlined an ambitious roadmap to expand beyond coal and emerge as a global mining consultancy, with a focus on critical minerals, rare earth elements and advanced mining technologies.
The vision was highlighted during the celebration of the 52nd Coal India Limited (CIL) Foundation Day at Rabindra Bhawan, CMPDI headquarters in Ranchi, where senior officials emphasised business diversification, technological innovation and sustainable mining.
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by CMPDI Chairman-cum-Managing Director Chaudhari Shivraj Singh, Directors Ajay Kumar (Technical/Planning and Design), Rajeev Kumar Sinha (Technical/Exploration Services) and Anand Mohan (Technical/Research, Development and Technology, Business Development), CMPDI and CCL Chief Vigilance Officer Pankaj Kumar, and CIL Executive Director (Exploration) R.K. Singh. The National Song and Coal India corporate song followed. Regional Directors, General Managers, Heads of Departments and representatives of trade unions and officers’ associations attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Shivraj Singh acknowledged the contribution of CMPDI employees to the growth of the institute and Coal India. He called for expanding the organisation’s expertise into critical minerals, rare earth elements (REEs), metal mining, carbon management and advanced mining technologies.
He said CMPDI should evolve from a technical consultant into a strategic knowledge partner, from a national mining technology leader into a global mining consultancy, and from a coal-centric organisation into a diversified mining and minerals knowledge enterprise. He also stressed the need to promote smarter, greener and more sustainable mining practices.
Director Ajay Kumar said CMPDI, as Coal India’s technical and consultancy arm, remained committed to strengthening the organisation through technological excellence, innovation and diversification. He highlighted its role in promoting safe and sustainable mining while supporting the country’s energy security and economic progress.
Director Rajeev Kumar Sinha stressed technological advancement, innovation and operational excellence, calling for greater adoption of emerging technologies and sustainable practices.
Director Anand Mohan highlighted the importance of diversifying into critical minerals, protecting intellectual property rights and commercialising research outcomes. He said CMPDI must preserve its core strengths while exploring emerging business opportunities.
Chief Vigilance Officer Pankaj Kumar also emphasised technology adoption and knowledge enhancement, urging the organisation to expand its focus beyond coal and Coal India, particularly in the critical minerals sector.
The celebration also recognised outstanding contributions by CMPDI’s regional institutes, departments and employees through corporate, group and individual awards. Regional Institute-VII, Bhubaneswar, was adjudged the Best Regional Institute. Kusmunda Camp of RI-V received the Best Hydrostatic Drilling Camp award, while Murpar Camp of RI-IV secured the Best Mechanical Drilling Camp award.
The Best Drilling Crew awards went to the teams operating Hydrostatic Rig CT-14-03 at Kusmunda Camp and Mechanical Rig RD-05 at Murpar Camp. Anil Kumar, Deputy Manager (Geology), RI-VI; Rahul Kar, Manager (Geology), RI-IV; and Anirban Mondal, Senior Manager (Geology), RI-IV, were recognised for excellence in Geological Services. Mohd Ahmad, Assistant Manager (Civil), RI-V, received the Innovation Award.
Among the corporate awards, RI-VII was recognised for Environment Laboratory Services and Geomatics Services, while the Coal Characterisation Laboratory at CMPDI headquarters received recognition under Other Laboratory Services. RI-II won the Social Media Award, and RI-IV was recognised for its CSR initiatives.
The Individual Excellence and Special Achievement categories included an individual award for Ramprasad Adhikary, Chief Manager (Geology), RI-II. Group awards were presented to the Civil, Geology and Environment departments at headquarters and the Science and Technology Department at headquarters.
The Young Executive Awards went to Neelay Giri, Manager (Mining), RI-I; Vivek Kumar, Deputy Manager (Environment), RI-III; and Subham Raj Jindal, Deputy Manager (Environment), RI-VI.
Eight senior officers were honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards for their contributions: Shambhu Sharan, Surendra Kr Gupta, Shishir Dutta, Herambara Rao Sonapuram, Anand Shekhar, Somesh Kumar, S. Jayakumar and S. K. Das.
The celebration reaffirmed CMPDI’s emphasis on technical excellence, human resource development and institutional capabilities as it seeks to strengthen its position in the evolving mining and minerals sector.
