Aizawl, Nov. 24: Stressing the need to explore the natural wealth of Mizoram, chief minister Zoramthanga today invited companies to delve into the prospects of its development.

Talking to officials from the directorate-general of hydrocarbon under the Union ministry of petroleum here, Zoramthanga said: ?Mizoram is believed to have huge hydrocarbon reserves ? both underground and on the surface. We need to take extensive measures to explore the potential of our natural wealth.?

Zoramthanga told the visiting team of geology experts, headed by chief geophysicist D.K. Rawat, that the peaceful state was a safe and profitable place for investors. ?Our arms are wide open for companies who are willing and able to exploit our natural wealth,? he added.

Rawat said the purpose of their visit was to gather basic scientific data, to conduct aero-magnetic survey and geophysical and geo-chemical investigations in a bid as to attract global companies to invest in the state.

The meeting was also attended by industries and IT secretary J.C. Ramthanga and other officials of the department.

Earlier this year, director-general of hydrocarbons V.K. Sibal and his colleagues had visited the state to talk over the ?expeditious extraction of natural gas in Mizoram? with the chief minister and his officials. Sibal had expressed hopes of finding ?large reserves of oil and natural gas? in the state.