TL;DR:
- GSI hosted a workshop on “Emerging Technologies in Mineral Exploration.”
- Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao emphasized the use of AI, ML, and drones in mineral exploration.
- AI and ML are revolutionizing geological data analysis and prospecting.
- Government and private stakeholders urged to leverage geoscientific data from NGDR.
- 20 workshops across the country will promote AI and ML in exploration.
- Focus on critical minerals, potash, and concealed deposits.
- GSI plans to deploy drones, AI, and ML for more efficient prospecting.
- Integration of diverse datasets and 4D modeling are enhancing accuracy.
- Experts from various institutions emphasized the role of new age technology.
Main AI News:
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) recently played host to a pivotal workshop titled “Emerging Technologies in Mineral Exploration” at its esteemed Training Institute in Hyderabad on December 22, 2023. The distinguished inauguration of this event was undertaken by none other than Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, the Secretary of the Ministry of Mines.
In his address, Shri Rao underscored the imperative need for the integration of cutting-edge technology, notably Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), into the mineral exploration processes within our nation. He astutely pointed out that traditional methods of processing geoscientific data are not only time-consuming and costly but also occasionally compromised in terms of accuracy.
With the advent of pioneering technologies such as AI and ML, the landscape of geological data is undergoing a transformative shift towards big data characteristics, characterized by volume, value, diversity, and timeliness. In this realm of big-data technologies, the deployment of AI and ML, coupled with the advancement of high-performance computing, has proven highly effective in identifying promising mineral prospects.
Shri Rao issued a fervent call to action, urging both government Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and private stakeholders to leverage the wealth of geoscientific data accessible through the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) platform provided by GSI. Additionally, he directed the organization of no less than 20 similar workshops across different regions of the country to foster an ecosystem of exploration enhanced by AI and ML. Furthermore, he encouraged the utilization of Drone surveys for mapping to expedite the exploration process.
Shri Rao also appealed to all notified exploration agencies and start-ups working within this domain to concentrate their efforts on the critical minerals, potash, and concealed deposits. His call resonated with a plea to state governments to collaborate closely with GSI, ensuring the continuity of workshops as a follow-up action.
Addressing the assembly, Shri Janardan Prasad, the Director General of GSI, underscored the pivotal role of mineral exploration in propelling the nation’s economic development forward. GSI has set its sights on deploying advanced technologies such as drones, AI, and ML to streamline and enhance mineral prospecting, saving valuable time and resources while revealing concealed deposits.
Prasad noted that the introduction of AI and ML technology in mineral exploration has led to the integration of diverse datasets using time-tested Machine Learning algorithms, renowned for their precision in delineating potential mineralization areas. AI, in particular, has empowered users to generate 4D models, incorporating the element of time, enabling the reconstruction of the dynamic evolution of geological structures and past deformation histories.
The technical sessions of the workshop delved into the integration of geoscience data utilizing AI, ML, and 3D modeling, underscoring their potential in mineral targeting. Esteemed experts from institutions such as GSI, MECL, IITs, NGRI, NAL, AMD, DMG, Karnataka, KIOCL, RSAA, ISRO, University of Hyderabad, IICT, FIMI, Rungta Sons Pvt. Ltd, MPXG Exploration Pvt. Ltd, NMTDC, MMPL, Gemcokati Exploration, EDS Technology, Tata Steel, Seiger Geoscience Pvt. Ltd., Amazon Web Services, McPhar, and Geomarine Solutions Pvt. Ltd, among others, generously shared their insights. Collectively, they underscored the indispensable role of new age technology, including AI, ML, and Drone technology, in the advancement of mineral exploration.
Conclusion:
The adoption of advanced technologies like AI, ML, and drones in mineral exploration, as highlighted in the workshop hosted by GSI, represents a transformative shift in the industry. This tech-driven approach not only enhances efficiency and accuracy but also opens up new opportunities for both government and private stakeholders. Market-wise, it signifies the potential for increased investment and innovation in mineral exploration, leading to more sustainable and resource-efficient practices.
