Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao Urges Tech Upgrade in Mineral Exploration

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) hosted a workshop on "Emerging Technologies in Mineral Exploration" at GSI Training Institute, Hyderabad, on 22nd December 2023. The workshop was inaugurated by the Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Shri V.L. Kantha Rao.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Rao, stressed upon the need for the use of new age technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in accelerating  mineral exploration activities in our country.  He said that the conventional ways to process the geoscientific data are time consuming, expensive and sometimes limited in their accuracy. With the advent of new technologies like AI and ML, geological data are gradually characterized by elements of big data involving quantity, value, diversity, and timeliness. In the arena of big-data technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) methods, along with the development of high-performance computing have proven to be effective in finding good prospective mineral models. He urged the Govt. PSUs and private stakeholders to make the best use of vast geoscientific data from National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) platform of GSI. Shri Rao also directed to arrange 20 such workshops in different parts of the country to promote the ecosystem of exploration using AI and ML. Shri Rao advised  to take  advantage of Drone survey for mapping to save time and appealed to all notified exploration agencies and start-ups working in the field of exploration to put special focus on critical minerals, potash and concealed deposits. He urged the State Governments to work in tandem with GSI and continue to organize such workshops as follow up action.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Janardan Prasad, Director General, GSI emphasized the vital role of mineral exploration in fostering the economic development of the country.  GSI plans to deploy advanced technologies like drones, AI, and ML for more efficient and accurate mineral prospecting, saving valuable time and resources while uncovering concealed deposits. He said that with the advent of AI and ML technology in the field of mineral exploration, integration of various datasets using time-tested Machine learning algorithms are gaining popularity because of their accuracy in delineating potential areas for mineralization. Especially AI has assisted the users for generation of 4D modelling by adding time component which allows reproducing the dynamic evolution of geological structures and reconstructing the past deformation history of geological formations.

  Technical sessions touched upon geoscience data integration using AI, ML, and 3D modeling, showcasing their potentiality in mineral targeting. Experts from GSI, MECL, IITs, NGRI, NAL, AMD, DMG, Karnataka, KIOCL, RSAA, ISRO, University of Hyderabad, IICT, FIMI, Rungta Sons Pvt. Ltd, MPXG Exploartion Pvt. Ltd, NMTDC, MMPL, Gemcokati Exploration, EDS Technology, Tata Steel, Seiger Geoscience Pvt. Ltd., Amazon web services, McPhar and Geomarine Solutions Pvt. Ltd etc. shared their expertise, emphasizing the critical role of new age technology alike AI & ML and Drone technology for promoting mineral exploration.

On the sidelines of the programme, Shri V.L. Kantha Rao inaugurated Atomic Adsorption Spectrometer with Graphite Tube Atomizer (AAS-GTA) at Chemical Lab, Southern Region, GSI Hyderabad. Subsequently, he also inaugurated High Mast National Flag at the main gate of GSI Training Institute Campus.

The event concluded with panel discussions, interactive sessions among various Govt. agencies and private stakeholders. The workshop not only showcased the commitment of GSI for creating conducive ecosystem for exploration but also set the stage for a collaborative and tech-driven future in mineral exploration.