TFP Bureau, Bhopal; January 22, 2024: The 63rd Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) Meeting convened today in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, setting the stage for a robust year ahead for the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Under the guidance of Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including officials from various Ministries, State Directorates of Mining & Geology, public and private mining representatives, and industry experts.
The meeting unfolded with a comprehensive discussion on the proposed Annual Programme for the 2024-25 Field Season. GSI presented an ambitious plan, formulating 1055 scientific programs for the upcoming year. Notably, this includes 392 Mineral Development projects, spanning categories such as G2, G3, G4, and Offshore Explorations, with the potential to yield auctionable mineral blocks.
Addressing the gathering, Shri V.L. Kantha Rao emphasized the significance of scientific rigor in the mining sector. He called upon GSI and other exploration agencies to intensify mineral exploration efforts, particularly focusing on Critical Minerals. Rao urged State Governments to be more proactive in implementing exploration projects through NMET funding and encouraged stakeholders to leverage geoscience data available in the NGDR portal.
The meeting spotlighted the recently launched National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) portal, designed to host pre-competitive baseline geological and mineral exploration data. This cloud-based repository, utilizing advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), aims to accelerate mineral exploration by identifying patterns within vast datasets.
In addition to program approvals, the meeting featured the inauguration of an exhibition themed “Mining and Beyond” at Minto Hall, Bhopal. The exhibition showcased achievements, best practices, and technical advancements from entities such as GSI, PSUs (MOIL, HCL, NALCO, MECL), private exploration agencies, startups, and the Madhya Pradesh Government.
The unveiling of the Mineral Map of Ladakh and the Report on Geological & Geotechnical investigation of Joshimath Township, Chamoli District, Uttarakhand added to the significant publications released during the event.
The CGPB, a critical platform for GSI, plays a pivotal role in shaping the Annual Field Season Program, avoiding duplication of work, and fostering collaboration between Central and State-level stakeholders. The revamp of CGPB into 12 theme-based groups aims to facilitate wider participation and interaction, enhancing coordination between various stakeholders.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI), established in 1851, has evolved into a repository of geo-scientific information crucial for national development. Its multifaceted functions encompass surveys, mineral resource assessment, and studies related to societal projects, natural hazards, and training & capacity building.
The Bhopal meeting provided a glimpse into the forward-looking initiatives and collaborative efforts that will propel GSI’s contributions to India’s geoscientific landscape in the coming year.
