In 1975, Mining Associates was born as a humble partnership firm with a bold vision to shape India's mining future. Between 1975 and 1982, the journey began with coal exploration projects across India, with the first major breakthrough awarded by CCL. From 1975 to 1980, in a pioneering move, Mining Associates became the only firm performing upward vertical drilling in underground mines. By 1985, after years of consistent effort, the company secured its first project from CMPDIL—a proud moment in its early history. In 1981–82, Mining Associates diversified into hydroelectricity with the Chilla Project in Haridwar. During 1982–83, the team drilled an 8-inch upward hole in Chasnala Underground Mine—a remarkable technological feat at the time. When a union strike halted coal exploration in 1983–84, the company boldly pivoted to blast hole and DTH drilling. It was during this period that sand stowing in underground coal mines was also introduced by the visionary founder, Shri R.B. Bansal. In 1985, the company ventured further into soil investigation and geo-engineering, executing projects like Kumari and Mukunda. Between 1985 and 1995, Mining Associates ensured a consistent supply of raw industrial water to Singrauli projects, with Shri Sanay Bansal personally leading operations on the ground.

In 1989, the company achieved a heroic milestone by rescuing 65 out of 71 trapped miners at Mahabir Colliery, Raniganj. A 30” hole was drilled in record time to supply oxygen and support the rescue—a landmark operation completed within just 60 hours. In 1994, a fire at New Kenda Colliery was extinguished using overnight-drilled holes that pumped in nitrogen gas and foam—another life-saving intervention led by Shri Bansal. In 1995, the company contributed to the World Bank-backed BCCL fire area assessment, completing 28,000 meters of drilling across underground fire zones. Between 1995 and 1997, Mining Associates made geo-technical contributions to the prestigious Purulia Pumped Storage Project. In 2001, the company achieved an international breakthrough by completing 200 meters of drilling in the Kathmandu Valley in partnership with Japanese firm NISAKU, using wireline and triple tube barrel technology. And in 2001, our founder, Shri R.B. Bansal, in collaboration with KLR in Hyderabad, made history by designing and developing India’s first fully hydraulic diamond core drilling rig — a milestone that redefined drilling technology in the country. By 2003, the firm transitioned from a partnership to a private limited company—Mining Associates Pvt. Ltd. (MAPL) was officially born. From 2005 to 2006, we expanded our international footprint with diamond core drilling for coal exploration in the Khalaspir Coal Basin, Bangladesh. We ventured beyond borders to Nepal, carrying out geo-technical investigations for the Pancheswar Dam Project through precision diamond core drilling. In 2006, MAPL acquired the RD-20 rig to venture into Coal Bed Methane (CBM) drilling. In 2007, MAPL took a bold step forward, venturing into the world of CBM drilling. Our very first project in this domain was awarded by ESSAR, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our journey.

In 2009, MAPL partnered with Oman’s NDSCO to form TDMAPL, extending its reach beyond national boundaries. Between 2009 and 2010, our team undertook a massive exploration project in the Chirra North Block, Mand Raigarh Coalfield — drilling 76,500 metres across 298 boreholes. In 2013, MAPL acquired the Indian arm of Mitchell Drilling International, emerging as a leader in the CBM exploration domain. In 2016, the company completed a 1,882-meter NQ inclined hole for HZL, achieving excellent results well within deviation limits—showcasing engineering brilliance. In 2017, MAPL drilled a 200-meter vertical upward hole at Tata Steel’s colliery in Dhanbad, reaffirming its technical prowess. Our quest for innovation didn’t stop there. In 2024, we entered the emerging field of Underground Coal Gasification. Partnering with ERGOEXERGY Technologies Pvt. Ltd., we successfully drilled 8 boreholes in the Kasta West Block of ECL — a step towards unlocking cleaner and more efficient energy solutions. In 2024, the company achieved a national record by completing the deepest HQ hole in India—2,437 meters for CBM in collaboration with EOGEPL, Durgapur. We procure SM-350 Rig in the year 2012 and SM-500 rig in 2024. Now in 2025, MAPL proudly goes global—officially registered in Zambia, continuing its legacy of excellence beyond borders. Building on our expertise, we later entered the mining industry, taking on challenging projects that pushed the boundaries of innovation. In February 2025, we began a Mechanized Incline Drainage operation using Road header technology at the Parasea Coal Mine of ECL — a project that reflects our ability to merge advanced machinery with precision.