Delegates at the 45th State Geological Board Meeting organised by the Department of Geology and Mining in Dimapur on August 29. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 29
The State Geological Board (SGB) convened on August 29 to review and approve the Department of Geology and Mining’s work plan for 2026-27. The annual 45th conclave was chaired by the Commissioner & Secretary of Geology and Mining, John Kevi Angami at the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Dimapur.
Making the keynote address, Angami said that a key focus of the Department will be mineral assessment through state-of-the-art drilling techniques. He emphasised the importance of addressing landslides, while stating that the department is prioritising early warning systems.
Angami urged the department to continue to move forward, setting aside any practical difficulties experienced in the past. He said the focus must be on mineral exploration, groundwater management, and scientific activities to enhance Nagaland’s environmental development.
Delegates from the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute Limited, Maheshwari Mining Pvt Ltd, Indian Bureau of Mines, ONGC, Central Ground Water Board, NSMDC, Geological Survey of India, Project Sewak and North East Institute of Science and Technology attended the annual conclave.
ONGC awaits licence for new exploration
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has applied for Petroleum Exploration Licenses (PLs) from the Nagaland state government in three designated locations. According to the General Manager of ONGC’s Jorhat Division, Metenol Angami, ONGC is awaiting state government approval. Once granted, the company plans to conduct seismic surveys to identify potential drilling sites.
Nagaland has an estimated 555 million metric of petroleum reserve. The proven reserve stands at around 17 million tons, located at Changpang, where extraction has already occurred.
