To improve the achievement of the promotional exploration as per the annual target approved by Ministry of Coal (MoC) in lignite areas, NLCIL has proposed to take up regional/detailed exploration through outsourcing mode and submitted proposals to MoC for carrying out regional exploration and detailed exploration in Pandiyur lignite block and R.S.Mangalam lignite block in Ramnad district, Tamilnadu respectively. The same was approved by MoC and included in the annual programme of lignite exploration (2019-2020).
The exploration in the above blocks is being taken up by MECL under MoU with NLCIL. As per the project proposal submitted to MoC, a total quantum of 48000m of drilling for Pandiyur and 345000m for R.S.Mangalam blocks (Sub-Block A, B, C, D) were planned. MoC has approved initially 5000m for Pandiyur and 30000m in R.S.Mangalm Block-A in the 2019-20 annual programme. The exploration activity is expected to enhance the Lignite reserves substantially.
To this effect, NLC India Limited (NLCIL) has inked an MoU with Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) for carrying out regional exploration and detailed exploration through outsourcing mode in Pandiyur Lignite Block and R.S Mangalam Block in Ramnad District, Tamilnadu and exchanged between Shri. Prabhakar Chowki, Director (Mines) & Dr.Ranjit Rath, CMD, MECL in the presence of Shri.Rakesh Kumar CMD and Functional Directors Shri.R.Vikraman, Director (HR), Shri.N.N.M.Rao, Director (P&P), Shri.Shaji John, Director (Power) and Sri.T.Venkatasubramanian CVO of NLCIL on 16.11.2019 at Neyveli.
It is proposed to take up exploration initially in Pandiyur (5000m) and R.S.Mangalam Block-A (30000m), as per the approved annual programme (2019-20) of MoC under MOU with MECL.
During the next and subsequent years, the exploration activities will be continued under the same MoU based on the approved annual programme of MoC by adopting the applicable MoC rates.