Lok Sabha Question No. 2855 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-20
Subject: GSI Survey
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Margani Bharat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2855

ANSWERED ON 20.12.2023

## GSI SURVEY

## 2855. SHRI MARGANI BHARAT:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) the average time taken by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in completing field survey  and  submission  of  reports  on  potential  mineral  resource  deposits  in  the country;
- (b) whether the Government has taken any steps to reduce this time period;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) whether the Government has invested in any latest technologies for expediting field surveys and reports on potential mineral resource deposits by GSI; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

- (a): As per the annual field season program, field survey and preparation of reports normally takes 18 months, out of which 12 months are required for completion of field survey  and  the  next  6  months  for  writing/  finalization  of  the  report  before  it  is circulated. However, for some of the projects, this time duration may be more than 18 months depending upon the nature and quantum of work.
- (b) & (c): Yes, Sir. GSI has taken a number of steps to finalize the resource bearing reports at the earliest which are summarized below-
-  Sufficient budget grants especially in the mineral exploration head allotted to all regions/missions of GSI for execution of field projects.
-  To  achieve  the  drilling  target,  empanelled  outsourced  drilling  agencies  are deployed for certain exploration projects in addition to in-house drilling capacity. Drilling activities are initiated on priority from the beginning of Field Season.
-  To  expedite  sample  analysis,  outsourcing  is  carried  out  through  reputed laboratories as per requirement in addition to in-house capacity.
-  For timely execution of projects, field vehicles are outsourced in addition to inhouse capacity.
-  The laboratories are being modernized with various state-of-the-art instruments for precise and quick analysis. Various modern software are also being used for quick and precise analysis of field data.
-  The concerned State Governments are intimated to render all possible support for  execution  of  field  projects  and  field  officers  of  GSI  are  instructed  to

coordinate  with  local  administration  to  resolve  any  local  issues.  Necessary formalities for getting  permission for exploration from various authorities are taken before initiation of the project.

-  Constant monitoring of the projects at various levels is carried out to ensure proper and timely completion of the project.

(d)  &  (e):  Yes,  Sir.  The  following technology  initiatives  have  been  adopted  for expediting field surveys and reports on potential mineral resource deposits by GSI:

i.  Generation  of  baseline  geoscience  data-  GSI  is  generating  almost  all  types  of baseline geoscience data e.g. geological, geochemical, and geophysical pan India which are crucial for effective planning of mineral exploration. GSI has targeted to complete National Geochemical and Geophysical mapping of the accessible part of the country on priority by involving in-house resources as well as through outsourcing using the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) fund.

ii. Aerial Survey: GSI is executing the project 'National Aero-Geophysical Mapping Programme  (NAGMP)'  to acquire aero-geophysical data over the Obvious Geological Potential areas (7.78 lakh sq km) through outsourcing using NMET fund.

iii.  Remote  Sensing  aided  Survey:  GSI  is  carrying  out  delineation  of  alteration/ mineralization zone using spectral mapping algorithms. Recently, GSI has completed acquisition  of  AVIRIS  NG  data  in  collaboration  with  NASA  and  ISRO  in  certain potential  areas  in  the  country.  GSI  has  initiated  surface  mineral  mapping  using ASTER  multispectral  remote  sensing  data  to  generate  alteration  zone  /mineral mapping.

iv.  Regional  Mineral  Targeting  (RMT):  GSI  has  introduced  RMT  program  to  gain insight into the process of finding mineral deposits on a regional scale by synthesis & collation of surface and subsurface data followed by fieldwork.

v. Project 'Uncover' India: Given the rapid depletion of surface/near-surface deposits, there  is  a  paradigm  shift  in  thrust  to  probe  deep-seated  deposits  under  'Project Uncover (India)' in two transacts, in collaboration with Geoscience Australia (GA).

vi. Necessary steps have been taken to increase the depth of exploratory drilling in G3  &  G2  stage  exploration  projects  from  FS  2020-21  for  non-bulk  minerals depending  on  the  potential  of  mineralized  zones.  For  fast  drilling,  GSI  is  mostly utilizing hydrostatics rigs in mineral exploration projects.

vii.  National  Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR): GSI is setting up the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) through outsourcing using NMET fund for the benefit of all stakeholders wherein all geoscientific data will be made available on one platform.

viii.  Modernization  Programme:  GSI  has  been  modernizing  its  laboratories  by procuring high-end machinery and equipment to improve its capabilities in generating vital geoscience data and their processing and interpretation.

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