As part of its 175th Foundation Year celebrations, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) is holding a two-day national conference titled “Critical Minerals: Exploration and Exploitation” on 7th and 8th August 2025 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The event was inaugurated by Prof. Rajesh Kumar Verma, Vice Chancellor of Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya, alongside Shri Asit Saha, Director General of GSI. Also in attendance were Shri I.D. Narayan, Chairman and Managing Director of Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), and Shri Dheeraj Pande, Director of the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), with wide participation from policy makers, researchers, IITs, universities, and academic institutions.

The conference serves as a vital forum for knowledge exchange and discussion on the roadmap for augmenting and efficiently utilising India's critical mineral resources. These minerals are essential for the country’s transition to clean energy and technological self-reliance.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Verma stressed the importance of accelerating exploration to reduce import dependence, citing critical minerals as strategic assets in advancing India’s energy transition. He lauded GSI’s foundational role in mineral exploration and its contribution to sectoral growth.

GSI DG Shri Asit Saha reflected on the institution's 175-year legacy—from its coal exploration roots to its current standing as a global geoscientific authority. He emphasised the National Critical Mineral Mission and the urgency of securing essential mineral resources amid increasing global competition. He called for intensified collaboration between GSI, academia, and industry stakeholders.

Shri I.D. Narayan of MECL praised GSI’s pioneering efforts in exploration and mineral block auctions, citing joint initiatives with GSI in base metal and critical mineral exploration in Zambia. He emphasised the need to translate geological potential into strategic assets through innovation and partnerships.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Dheeraj Pande from AMD underlined the significance of atomic and rare earth minerals for India's energy security and digital development. He urged stronger inter-agency collaboration to unlock the country’s full mineral potential.

The event featured technical sessions covering a broad range of geoscientific topics, including geological frameworks, mineral system models, exploration technologies, sustainable mining practices, policy reform, and mineral recycling. Experts presented papers, posters, and research abstracts, reinforcing the role of geoscientific innovation in shaping India’s mineral future.