Mizoram Pushes Modern Technology, Expertise to Accelerate Hydrocarbon Exploration

Mizoram Commerce, Industries, Geology and Mining (CIG&M) Secretary H Lianzela on Thursday called for greater use of modern technology, upgraded equipment and technical expertise to accelerate hydrocarbon exploration and promote sustainable development in the state.
Speaking at the meeting on oil exploration in Mizoram, Lianzela said earlier exploration efforts had not produced the expected results, but a promising roadmap was now emerging through closer coordination between the Centre, oil companies and the state government.
“This is driven by close collaboration between the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, OIL, ONGC, and the State’s CIG&M Department,” he said, urging participants to leverage modern technical expertise, upgraded machinery, and renewed commitment during the review sessions to devise strategic frameworks that will catalyse self-sustaining development for both Mizoram and the broader Northeast region.
The meeting titled “Review Meeting on Oil Exploration in Mizoram” was conducted today under the aegis of the CIG&M Department, Government of Mizoram, to assess the progress of various hydrocarbon exploration initiatives across the state.
The meeting chaired by Lianzela was attended by Sohban Pathak, additional director general (Exploration) in the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons and senior officials of ONGC, OIL and Indraprastha Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).
Technical sessions featured prominent presentations detailing current field data and future developmental goals. Lalremmawia, Joint Director, Directorate of Geology and Mining, presented on “Sharing Findings from Field Inspection and Status of Hydrocarbons Activities in Mizoram.” Representatives from ONGC and OIL delivered a joint presentation on the “Identification of Prospective Acreages for Future OALP Bid Rounds,” while IGGL technical experts shared insights on “Updated Gas Infrastructure and Monetization Opportunities.”
Records show that ONGC initiated exploratory drilling operations in Mizoram in 2011. Currently, ONGC has successfully drilled oil wells in Meidum and Zanlawn, while OIL has actively pursued exploration works in Aibawk, Keifang, and Thenzawl.
Key infrastructure and regulatory expansions were thoroughly discussed during the meeting. The Chhimluangte Bridge has been successfully retrofitted to facilitate the transit of heavy machinery required for ongoing drilling operations near Hortoki village. Deliberations focused on the regularisation and extension of ONGC Block No. AA-ONN-2001/2 to drill a new exploratory well located 2 km from the site where gas was initially discovered by ONGC during 2011–12 in Hortoki, Kolasib District. Furthermore, stakeholders emphasized the strategic importance of expanding gas exploration to southern Mizoram, specifically covering Rabung, Tlabung, and the Palzawng–Thiltlang sectors, alongside evaluations for the proposed Panisagar–Sihhmui Gas Pipeline.
The session concluded with an official vote of thanks delivered by H. Lalchhamdami, Joint Secretary, CIG&M Department.