Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited (MECL)
About MECL
Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited (MECL), formerly known as Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited, is a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Mines. Established in 1972, MECL’s primary objective is to systematically explore and assess India’s mineral resources. Headquartered in Nagpur, Maharashtra, MECL plays a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s self-reliance in mineral exploration and resource evaluation.
The organization undertakes geological, geophysical, geochemical, and drilling investigations to establish mineral potential for both government and private sectors. Direct link to get MECL employee portal is above. MECL operates across the country and has expanded its capabilities to include consultancy services, remote sensing, and GIS-based exploration planning.
Its functions extend beyond traditional mineral exploration to cover modern, data-driven exploration of critical minerals such as lithium, graphite, and rare earth elements (REEs), aligning with India’s energy transition goals and industrial growth strategy.
Key Achievements
MECL has successfully completed approximately 1,630 exploration projects across India.
It has achieved a total of about 13.80 million metres of drilling and 11.70 million metres of geological and topographic mapping.
During the financial year 2024, MECL recorded significant progress by drilling around 311,148 metres by December 2024, representing a growth of nearly 35 percent compared to the previous year.
It secured 34 approved projects from the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) valued at approximately ₹104.59 crore, with four additional projects worth about ₹10 crore recommended for approval.
MECL signed strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with major organizations such as Oil India Limited and the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) to strengthen exploration initiatives for critical and strategic minerals.
The company enhanced its operational infrastructure by acquiring four advanced hydrostatic drill rigs capable of drilling depths up to 1,800 metres.
It established an in-house manufacturing workshop producing essential drilling accessories — in 2023–24 alone, MECL manufactured over 23,000 items, including drill rods and diamond bits.
MECL implemented renewable energy initiatives by installing 245 kW of solar capacity across its facilities.
It received recognition from the Government of India for promoting employee learning and development, being awarded during the National Learning Week event for achieving learning milestones.
MECL has developed an extensive business order book worth over ₹622 crore as of late 2024, reflecting robust project acquisition and execution capability.
Current and Notable Projects
Critical Mineral Exploration: MECL has intensified its focus on the exploration of minerals vital for India’s clean energy and technological sectors, such as lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), graphite, and cobalt. It has initiated rare earth drilling operations in the Nokhaniya block of Gujarat’s Kutch region, marking its first NMET-supported REE project in the state.
International Expansion: MECL is exploring opportunities in Argentina and Australia to assess and participate in lithium exploration projects, contributing to India’s long-term strategy for securing essential minerals used in electric vehicle and battery production.
Technology and Capacity Enhancement: The company is adopting modern exploration technologies, digital geological data systems, and environmentally responsible drilling practices.
Strategic Partnerships: Through collaborations with Oil India and NMDC, MECL is expanding its reach into new mineral domains and strengthening its role in India’s mineral supply chain.
Sustainability and Renewable Integration: MECL continues to align with national sustainability initiatives by investing in renewable energy systems, energy-efficient equipment, and eco-friendly exploration techniques.
Strategic Importance
MECL is a cornerstone of India’s mineral policy and resource development framework. By adding to the National Mineral Inventory, it supports the government’s self-reliance initiatives and ensures domestic availability of critical resources.
The company’s shift toward critical mineral exploration aligns with India’s focus on renewable energy, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing sectors. MECL’s technological upgrades, international collaborations, and efficient project execution reinforce its position as a national leader in mineral exploration and consultancy.