GSI urged to fast-track critical mineral exploration, embrace advanced technologies

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Tuesday called upon the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to accelerate mineral exploration and noted that under the National Critical Minerals Mission, it is undertaking 300 critical mineral projects during the 2026-27 financial year.

Highlighting the Centre’s focus on mineral security, the minister said 4,373 mineral exploration projects had been completed since 2014, including 1,724 related to critical minerals and 656 linked to rare earth elements.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating three new facilities at the GSI campus in Hyderabad, including the International Hostel Complex, an Advanced Geophysical Data Processing Laboratory and the ‘Karmayogi’ Digital Studios, he said that the organisation was entering a new phase of growth and transformation. It has to strengthen international collaborations and adopt cutting-edge technologies to meet the country’s growing demand for critical minerals.

Mr. Kishan Reddy noted that India’s mining sector was rapidly expanding and achieving global standards but the GSI must also enhance its international presence and capabilities through active collaboration with geological and exploration agencies across the world.

Calling for faster exploration, he urged the organisation to prepare a comprehensive strategy with clear priorities, timelines and state-specific action plans. He also stressed the need to identify dispute-free government lands and focus on regions with significant critical mineral potential.

The minister underscored the importance of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, remote sensing and advanced data analytics in mineral exploration. He urged continuous training of scientists and technical personnel and proposed developing the GSI Training Institute into a Centre of Excellence for geological training and capacity building.

Congratulating the GSI team, he said the 176-year-old institution and the GSI Training Institute, which has completed 50 years, should build on their rich geological and geophysical legacy to become more modern, efficient and future-ready institutions.

Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender stressed on the need to explore coal and various other minerals found underground by leveraging modern, cutting-edge technology, according to a press release.