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Accreditation of Prospecting Agencies and Mine Plan Preparing Agencies in Coal Sector (APA & MPPA)

NABET accredits coal prospecting and mine plan agencies across India, ensuring technical competence, quality systems, and credible planning practices in the coal sector.

APA & MPPA Scheme

The APA-MPPA Scheme, approved by the Ministry of Coal, is implemented by National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) under the Quality Council of India. The scheme accredits agencies engaged in coal prospecting and mine plan preparation by evaluating their technical competence, domain expertise, field capabilities, and quality management systems, ensuring standardized, credible, and scientifically sound planning practices in the coal sector.

Accreditation Standards

Process

Fees Structure

Benefits

Credibility and professional recognition of consultant organizations in the mining and mineral sector.

Technical competence and compliance with established quality standards for preparation of Mining Plans and related studies.

Eligibility for undertaking preparation of Mining Plans/Modified Mining Plans and associated technical studies as per regulatory requirements.

Strengthens confidence among project proponents, regulatory authorities, and stakeholders regarding the quality, accuracy, and reliability of consultancy services.

Promotes systematic, transparent, and quality-driven practices in mining consultancy and mineral sector assessments.

Encourages deployment of qualified and competent sector experts for mining and mineral sector assignments.

Promotes accountability, ethical practices, and professional integrity in consultancy services for mining-related activities.

Visibility and recognition through QCI-NABET platforms and publications.

Accredited
APA-MPPA Organisations



  • The QCI-NABET Accreditation Programme for Mining Plan Preparing Agencies (MPPA) has provided a strong framework for ensuring quality, competence, and professionalism in mining plan preparation. We sincerely appreciate the guidance, professionalism, and prompt support extended by the QCI-NABET team.

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    Sh. Subrat Kumar Dash CEO, NTPC Mining Ltd.

  • I would like to express my sincere appreciation to NABET for establishing and implementing the APA–MPPA accreditation scheme, which has significantly enhanced transparency, professionalism, and quality standards. I would also like to acknowledge the proactive support extended by the NABET team.

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    Pukhraj Sethiya India Managing Director, ReVal Consulting Pvt Ltd

  • We are pleased to express our appreciation to the Quality Council of India – National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (QCI-NABET). The NABET accreditation serves as a strong validation of our commitment to quality, technical excellence, and professional integrity.

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    Sandeep Gautam MTCSL

FAQs

Is NABET accreditation mandatory for APA-MPPA Consultant Organizations?

Yes. Ministry of Coal mandated QCI-NABET for accreditation of Prospecting and Mining Plan consultants vide notification G.S.R 331 (E) dated 29.05.2020.

With the introduction of commercial mining in the coal sector, the Government of India allows private sector participation for the development of explored/partially explored coal blocks through a revenue sharing mechanism. Through this accreditation scheme, QCI-NABET will create a pool of credible and capable consultant organisations in the country for prospecting and mine plan preparation that will help in augmenting the commercial mining of the allocated coal blocks to private investors.

  1. Recognition of competence and capability
  2. Growth in business through reputational benefits
  3. Competitive edge
  4. Periodic assessment by QCI-NABET for continual improvement
  5. Publicity through QCI-NABET and Ministry of Coal websites and publications
  6. Use of QCI-NABET logo — a mark of quality

Only registered organizations, such as government, public, private, partnership, proprietary firms, bodies registered under the Society Act, and Research Institutes. All requirements of the Scheme as mentioned in the document are to be complied with for an organization to get accredited as an APA-MPPA consultant.

If all information is provided completely in the application, the APA-MPPA accreditation process can be completed within 3 months.

APA-MPPA accreditation is given for a period of 3 years, with the provision of a Surveillance Assessment (SA) after 18 months of accreditation.

IA (Initial Accreditation) — When the potential of an applicant organisation is assessed.

SA (Surveillance Assessment) — Held after 18 months of IA, when the performance of the accredited organisation and compliance with conditions of accreditation are assessed.

RA (Re-Accreditation) — Held after 3 years of IA, when the performance and improvements achieved are assessed.

All applications, including IA, SA, RA, supplementary, and scope expansion, are to be filled out through the online portal only, using the registered user ID and password. NABET does not accept any application through email. The application will be submitted only when the fee is paid through the online portal. Incomplete applications are not accepted or processed by NABET.

For more FAQs on the APA-MPPA Accreditation Scheme, refer to the detailed FAQ document available on this page. Here.

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