In a significant step toward strengthening India’s energy future and ensuring critical mineral supply, a delegation led by Chaudhari Shivraj Singh, Chairman cum Managing Director (CMD) of the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI), and Asheesh Kumar, Director (Business Development) of Coal India Limited (CIL), held a series of strategic meetings with senior officials of the Government of Odisha on May 22, 2026. The discussions, also attended by C S Singh, General Manager (Business Development), CIL, and S K Bhar, Regional Director, CMPDI, RI VII, Bhubaneswar, focused on exploring investment opportunities across Odisha’s mineral rich regions and expanding the state’s role in both conventional and renewable energy infrastructure.

The delegation first met Deoranjan Kumar Singh, IAS, Development Commissioner cum Additional Chief Secretary and Additional Chief Secretary of the Steel & Mines Department, to contribute in future expansion of Odisha’s metals and minerals sector. With India advancing toward self reliance in high tech manufacturing, the talks emphasized the exploration and extraction of Rare Earth Elements (REE) and other critical minerals. The leaders also highlighted the importance of advanced exploration techniques and sustainable mining practices to balance environmental responsibility with resource development.

Subsequently, the CIL and CMPDI leadership met Vishal Kumar Dev, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy and Electronics & Information Technology (E&IT) Department. This dialogue focused on a wide range of clean energy initiatives, including ground mounted and floating solar projects, Pumped Storage Power (PSP), wind energy, clean power generation technologies, and allied industrial developments.

Acknowledging the proactive approach in CIL diversification initiatives and CMPDI role in technology, consultancy and exploration, Odisha Govt commitment to ease of business in the state was reaffirmed with full administrative support and collaboration with State PSUs. Vishal Kumar Dev assured the delegation of the state’s proactive assistance, with complete administrative support to ensure smooth operations and timely resolution of any local challenges during project execution.