Central Geological Programming Board plays pivotal role in advancing geosciences, says Union Mines Secretary Rao

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 19, 2025

The Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) continues to play a pivotal role in advancing geosciences, as highlighted by V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Chairman of CGPB, at the 64th CGPB meeting held at the State Convention Centre, Lokseva Bhavan, on Sunday.

In his keynote address, Rao underscored the Ministry of Mines’ strategic initiatives, including the Critical Mineral Mission and Offshore Mining. He praised the successful auctioning of 24 critical mineral blocks in 2024-25 and the landmark auction of 13 offshore mineral blocks. Rao emphasized the significance of utilizing NMET funding and legacy geological data via the NGDR portal to boost the issuance of exploration licenses, fostering greater private sector involvement in mineral exploration.

The event attracted notable figures like Asit Saha, Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, along with various dignitaries. It served as a collaborative platform for stakeholders from exploration, research, and mining sectors to engage in vital discussions on mineral resource augmentation, clean energy initiatives, geohazard management, and sustainable development.

A key feature of the meeting was the presentation of the proposed Annual Programme of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) for the 2025-26 Field Season. This comprehensive programme comprises 1,065 scientific projects, with 402 Mineral Development projects expected to produce auctionable mineral blocks shortly. Additionally, 167 Mineral Discovery Projects are set to explore areas with high potential for future discoveries. Notably, 227 projects are focused on critical minerals like rare earth elements, graphite, lithium, and vanadium, reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year.

The GSI has allocated approximately Rs 300 crore for critical mineral exploration and investigation, reaffirming its commitment to this vital sector. Furthermore, 141 projects under Natural Hazard Studies, Public Good Geoscience, and Fundamental Geoscience aim to enhance disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and scientific innovation.

The event also showcased 65 geoinformatics projects employing cutting-edge AI/ML modeling and legacy data integration. Advanced technologies such as Magnetotelluric and Heliborn surveys are expected to improve exploration efficiency. The winners of the Mineral Hunt Techniques Hackathon were announced, honoring innovative AI/ML-driven mineral discovery methods, with top accolades awarded to teams from AMD, GSI, and IIT-ISM, Dhanbad.

The meeting concluded with an exhibition inaugurated by Rao, highlighting geoscience achievements by GSI, PSUs, private agencies, and startups, reinforcing a shared vision for innovation and sustainable development in geosciences.