The Ministry of Mines plans to intensify exploration activities for critical and strategic minerals by initiating around 300 projects in 2026-27. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been instructed to expedite its field season within a year, shifting to continuous project approvals for comprehensive area exploration. Emphasizing a coordinated approach, the Secretary highlighted the need for all agencies to streamline the exploration ecosystem in India.
The GSI presented its Annual Programme for the upcoming field season, comprising 1,068 scientific projects, during a meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board. These projects, accounting for 55% of the total, include 37 initiatives in international border regions, focusing on mineral exploration across various regions. The upcoming field season will witness a substantial 46% rise in G3 stage exploration projects, reflecting a strategic move towards result-driven, resource-rich exploration efforts.
In a bid to enhance India’s critical mineral security, GSI has outlined 236 projects dedicated to critical mineral exploration for the 2026-27 field season. Additionally, the organization has proposed projects related to Natural Hazard Studies, Public Good Geoscience, and Fundamental Geoscience, covering a wide array of research areas. The emphasis remains on disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and scientific innovation.
GSI’s agenda for 2026-27 also includes 58 Geoinformatics and Data Analysis projects, focusing on advanced technologies like AI/ML for efficient exploration. The organization aims to enhance exploration efficiency through geospatial data analysis and management. Furthermore, GSI has planned 160 training programs to bolster the skills of its personnel and stakeholders, underlining a strong commitment to human resource development.
