Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India]: The 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) was held at the State Convention Centre, Lokseva Bhavan, bringing together key stakeholders from the exploration, research, and mining sectors. The meeting was chaired by VL Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Chairman of CGPB, with dignitaries including Asit Saha, Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), and Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines.
The event focused on advancements in geosciences, mineral exploration strategies, and sustainable development. Discussions highlighted critical mineral resource augmentation, clean energy initiatives, geohazard management, and collaborative approaches to emerging challenges.
For the Field Season year 2025-26, GSI has planned 1,065 scientific programmes, including 402 mineral development projects (G2, G3, G4, and offshore explorations), which are expected to generate auctionable mineral blocks. Additionally, 167 mineral discovery projects are set to target promising areas for future exploration.
A significant emphasis was placed on critical mineral exploration, with 227 dedicated projects focusing on strategically vital commodities such as rare earth elements (REE), lithium, vanadium, graphite, and platinum group elements (PGE), reflecting a 16% increase from the previous year. Approximately ₹300 crore of GSI’s total budget will be allocated to critical mineral investigations.
The programme also includes 141 projects addressing natural hazards, climate resilience, and fundamental geoscience, covering landslide studies, polar research, environmental studies, and climate change.
Technological innovation was a central theme, with 65 geoinformatics projects leveraging AI/ML models, legacy data integration, and advanced technologies like Magnetotelluric and Heliborne surveys. A notable highlight was the Mineral Hunt Techniques Hackathon, where start-ups and researchers showcased AI/ML-driven approaches for accelerating mineral deposit discovery.
In his address, VL Kantha Rao emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in geosciences. He noted the successful auctioning of 24 critical mineral blocks in 2024-25 and the launch of India’s first auction of 13 offshore mineral blocks. Rao urged exploration agencies to utilize NMET funding, leverage the NGDR portal’s geological data, and adopt private sector partnerships to advance mineral exploration.
The technical session featured presentations by the Hackathon winners:
- First Prize: AMD team
- Second Prize: GSI team
- Third Prize: IIT-ISM Dhanbad team
The teams demonstrated AI/ML-based methodologies for targeting critical minerals, which will significantly enhance GSI’s exploration capabilities. Additional presentations covered updates on forest clearance guidelines by MoEFCC and developments in NGDR.
The meeting concluded with the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing achievements in geosciences by GSI, PSUs, private exploration agencies, and start-ups. Publications on the geology and mineral resources of Jharkhand, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the North Eastern Region were also released.