**Executive Summary**
On March 31, 2026, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Shri Sanjay Lohiya, reviewed the activities of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) Central Region in Nagpur. The review focused on accelerating critical mineral exploration to support the "Viksit Bharat by 2047" vision, noting the completion of most 2025–26 field activities. Key directives included the adoption of advanced technologies like AI/ML and the expedited processing of geological reports and sample analyses.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Operational Achievements**
* Handed over 77 Geological Reports and 122 Geological Memorandums, leading to the successful auction of several mineral blocks.
* Completed the majority of field activities scheduled for the 2025–2026 period.
* Maintained a robust geoscience database and continued efforts to identify new exploration blocks, particularly for critical minerals.
**Technological and Procedural Directives**
* Called for the integration of advanced technologies, specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), in mineral exploration.
* Emphasized the need for faster sample analysis and the acceleration of the peer review process to ensure efficient outcomes.
* Directed the timely preparation of reports to facilitate the transition from exploration to economic utilization.
**Strategic Objectives**
* Prioritized the identification of economically viable mineral blocks to attract investment.
* Urged geologists to align exploration practices with global standards.
* Highlighted critical mineral exploration as a strategic necessity for national development goals.
**Impact Analysis**
**Geological Survey of India (GSI) Central Region**
**Impact**
The department is recognized for its progress but faces increased pressure to modernize its workflows and accelerate the delivery of geological data.
**Action Required**
Staff must integrate AI and ML into exploration, expedite sample analysis, and finalize field activities and peer reviews for the 2025–26 cycle promptly.
**Geologists and Technical Officers**
**Impact**
Technical staff are required to shift toward international exploration standards and adopt higher-efficiency reporting methods.
**Action Required**
Align field exploration with global standards and ensure the identification of mineral blocks that are specifically designated as economically viable for investment.
**Potential Investors and Mining Industry**
**Impact**
The focus on preparing and auctioning economically viable blocks creates new opportunities for investment in the mining sector.
**Action Required**
Monitor the newly prepared Geological Reports and Memorandums to participate in the upcoming auctions of identified mineral blocks.
Key Entities Referenced
Geological Survey of India (GSI): The premier scientific agency responsible for mineral exploration and geological mapping, specifically reviewed for its performance in the Central Region (Nagpur).
Ministry of Mines: The primary government department overseeing the exploration and regulation of India's mineral resources and directing the strategic focus on critical minerals.
Viksit Bharat by 2047: The long-term national strategic vision cited as the primary driver for accelerating domestic mineral exploration to ensure resource security.
National Mission-II: A specific operational framework or initiative within the GSI whose officers participated in the review of mineral exploration reports and block auctions.
Sanjay Lohiya: Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, who mandated the use of AI/ML technologies and the alignment of Indian exploration efforts with global standards.
Ministry of Mines
Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines Reviews
GSI Central Region Activities in Nagpur;
Emphasises Critical Mineral Exploration
Posted On: 31 MAR 2026 4:28PM by PIB Mumbai
Nagpur.31March 2026
Shri. Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India,
visited the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Central Region, Nagpur, on Monday and
reviewed ongoing activities, with a strong focus on accelerating exploration of
critical minerals.
He was received by D. V. Ganvir, Additional Director General and Head of
Department, along with senior officials. A review meeting was held at Fermor Hall,
attended by senior officers from Central Region and National Mission-II.
During the meeting, Shri Ganvir presented the recent achievements of GSI Central
Region, highlighting significant progress in mineral exploration. He informed that 77
Geological Reports and 122 Geological Memorandums have been handed over, of
which several blocks have already been successfully auctioned. Special emphasis
was laid on critical minerals, with multiple reports prepared and auctioned. He also
noted that most field activities for 2025–26 have been completed, with continued
efforts to identify new exploration blocks.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Lohiya underlined the strategic importance of critical
minerals for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He appreciated GSI’s
efforts in creating a robust geoscience database and called for greater use of
advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in mineral
exploration. He stressed the need for timely report preparation, faster sample
analysis, and expediting the peer review process to ensure efficient outcomes.
The Additional Secretary also emphasised identification of economically viable
mineral blocks to attract investment and urged geologists to align exploration with
global standards.
During the visit, Shri Lohiya inaugurated a dinosaur park at the GSI premisis and
planted a sapling. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Athulya R.
S.***
Saurabh Khekde/Parshuram Kor
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