GSI Hosts Meet on Critical Mineral Exploration

08 Aug 2025 CW Team

GSI Hosts National Conference on Critical Minerals in Jabalpur

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.

Day one of the conference fostered dialogue on key challenges, innovative exploration techniques, and collaborative pathways forward, affirming GSI’s commitment to advancing geoscientific research in support of national priorities.

GSI Hosts National Conference on Critical Minerals in JabalpurAs 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.Day one of the conference fostered dialogue on key challenges, innovative exploration techniques, and collaborative pathways forward, affirming GSI’s commitment to advancing geoscientific research in support of national priorities.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..