TEXMiN, the Technology and Innovation Mission for Mines and Minerals, along with IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and the Geological Survey of India (GSI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen research, technology development, and capacity building in critical mineral exploration. The partnership aims to deploy advanced technologies, including AI and machine learning, to improve mineral discovery and bolster India’s mineral security and innovation ecosystem.
TEXMiN, IIT (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, and the Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research, technology development, and capacity building in the field of mineral exploration. The agreement is focused on advancing innovation‑led exploration of critical minerals, which are vital for India’s strategic industries, including electronics, defence, and renewable energy. It also provides a framework for onboarding third‑party start‑up agencies to accelerate innovation and real‑world implementation.
Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Chairman of the TEXMiN Foundation’s Governing Board, said the partnership with GSI is a meaningful step toward building stronger capabilities in critical mineral exploration. “By combining institutional research, field expertise, and emerging digital technologies, we aim to contribute to a more resilient, future‑ready, and self‑reliant mineral ecosystem for India,” he said.
Asit Saha, Director General of the Geological Survey of India, noted that the MoU reflects a shared commitment to advancing critical mineral exploration through scientific collaboration and technology‑driven approaches. “By partnering with TEXMiN, we look forward to strengthening research, pilot projects, and capacity building that support the discovery and efficient utilisation of critical mineral resources for the nation,” he added.
Under the agreement, TEXMiN and GSI will collaborate on several key areas. These include the application of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and deep learning for mineral prospectivity mapping, locating deep and concealed deposits of critical minerals, and modelling ore genesis. The partnership will also support pilot projects to recover critical minerals and elements from mineral phases in GSI‑explored blocks, as well as from byproducts associated with primary mineral deposits. In parallel, the MoU emphasises training and capacity building, aiming to equip geoscientists, researchers, and industry professionals with the advanced tools and knowledge needed to operate in a data‑driven exploration environment.
The collaboration is expected to strengthen India’s domestic capability in critical mineral exploration and lay the foundation for an innovation‑led, tech‑integrated minerals sector.