CK Prasad, project manager for CBM development project of ONGC said, ONGC will be entering into the second part of its exploratory phase at its Ranigunj block by end of this year, for which some minor work has started.

Exploratory process for coal bed methane (CBM) block would involve three steps of an exploratory phase, a pilot phase and a final development phase unlike an oil block that does not include the intermediary (pilot) phase.

The company has further reported that it would enter into the third and final stage based on the success of its second stage findings. In its first phase, the oil major had identified around eight core holes and one exploratory well at its Ranigunj block, which was concluded around September, 2008.

ONGC had to finish its second stage of findings by 2011, as per its commitment to the government of India.

The company is hopeful of finishing the second phase by 2010, further informed Prasad.