Advancements in Geosciences: Highlights from CGPB Meeting
The 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) took place today at the State Convention Centre, Lokseva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. This significant event was chaired by Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Chairman of CGPB. Other notable attendees included Shri Asit Saha, Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and Shri Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Mines. The meeting served as a platform for key stakeholders from the exploration, research, and mining sectors to discuss advancements in geosciences and mineral exploration strategies.
Key Discussions on Mineral Resource Management
The CGPB meeting focused on several critical topics, including mineral resource augmentation, clean energy initiatives, and geohazard management. Participants emphasized the importance of sustainable development and a collaborative approach to address emerging priorities in the geosciences field. The discussions highlighted the need for innovative strategies to enhance mineral exploration and management, particularly in the context of increasing global demand for minerals.
One of the main agenda items was the proposed Annual Programme of GSI for the upcoming field season of 2025-26. The GSI has outlined approximately 1,065 scientific programs, which include 402 mineral development projects. These projects aim to generate auctionable mineral blocks in the near future. Additionally, 167 mineral discovery projects were presented, focusing on promising areas for future exploration. The emphasis on critical mineral exploration was particularly noteworthy, with 227 dedicated projects targeting strategically important commodities such as rare earth elements, lithium, and graphite. This marks a 16% increase in focus on critical minerals compared to the previous year.
Commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience
In addition to mineral exploration, the GSI has outlined 141 projects under Natural Hazard Studies, Public Good Geoscience, and Fundamental Geoscience for the 2025-26 period. These projects encompass a wide range of topics, including landslide studies, geotechnical research, and climate change initiatives. The comprehensive approach reflects GSI’s commitment to disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
The focus on fundamental geoscience is crucial for understanding the underlying processes that contribute to natural hazards. By investing in research and studies related to climate change and environmental impacts, GSI aims to enhance its ability to respond to and mitigate the effects of natural disasters. This commitment to scientific innovation is vital for ensuring the safety and well-being of communities affected by geological hazards.
Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Exploration
The meeting also showcased GSI’s initiative to leverage cutting-edge technology in mineral exploration. GSI has initiated 65 geoinformatics projects that utilize advanced AI and machine learning modeling. These projects aim to integrate legacy data and deploy emerging technologies such as Magnetotelluric and Heliborne surveys. The goal is to enhance exploration efficiency and accuracy in identifying mineral deposits.
A highlight of the event was the announcement of the winners of the Mineral Hunt Techniques Hackathon. This competition recognized start-ups and unicorns that employed AI and machine learning for prospectivity analysis. Their innovative methodologies will significantly aid GSI in its mineral exploration efforts. The technical session also included presentations on recent changes in guidelines for forest clearance and developments in the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR).
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