Lok Sabha Question No. 317 (STARRED), answered on 2015-12-21
Subject: Mineral Explorations
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: HARISHCHANDRA DEORAM CHAVAN, RAMSINH PATALYABHAI RATHWA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 317 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 ST  DECEMBER, 2015

## MINERAL EXPLORATIONS

## *317.   SHRI HARISHCHANDRA CHAVAN: SHRI RAMSINH RATHWA:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

- (a) the existing mechanism put in place for mineral explorations including imagery mapping;
- (b) whether  the Government has  signed any  Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Space Research Organization on using satellite data for mineral explorations in the country;
- (c) if  so,  the  details thereof including the mineral reserves found, location and State/UT-wise; and
- (d) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  for  using  the  satellite  survey  technology  for  mineral explorations in the country?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER FOR MINES AND STEEL (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

- (a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House

## STATEMENT REFERRED IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.317 FOR REPLY ON 21.12.2015 REGARDING 'MINERAL EXPLORATIONS' ASKED BY SHRI HARISHCHANDRA CHAVAN AND SHRI RAMSINH RATHWA

(a): The Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached office of the Ministry of Mines, carries out regional and detailed mineral exploration in the country. Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), a PSU under the Ministry of Mines, is also engaged in detailed exploration. Besides, the Directorates of Mining and Geology and some of the concerned PSUs of the State governments carry out mineral exploration. The exploration activities are coordinated through the mechanism of the  Central  Geological  Programming  Board  (CGPB)  and  the  State  Geological  Programming Boards (SGPBs). As  regards  imagery  mapping,  GSI  has  been  using  remote  sensing  satellite  data  for delineation of target areas for mineralized zones in different parts of the country. This technique is being used as an important tool in geological survey and regional exploration of minerals. MECL also utilizes satellite data for mineral exploration projects. (b): Yes, Madam. (c):  GSI  has  signed  a  Memorandum  of  Understanding  (MoU)  with  Indian  Institute  of  Remote Sensing  (IIRS)  under  Indian  Space  Research  Organization  (ISRO)  on  using  satellite  data  for mineral exploration in the country. The MoU was signed on 14.9.2015 for two years. The objective of  the  MoU  is    to  carry  out  a  Project  entitled  '  Application  of  multi-spectral  and  hyperspectral remote  sensing  studies  for  mapping  of  alteration/mineralized  zones  and  building  up  of  spectral library for the areas in parts of mineral rich belts in Rajasthan.' As per the MoU, the projects will be initiated in April 2016. So far, no project has been started. (d):  GSI  is  carrying out  mapping  in  different  mineralized  belts  of the  country using  satellite data (hyperspectral,  multispectral  and  multisensor)  along  with  field  spectro-radiometer  for  targeting alteration zones associated with mineralized belt. In addition, GSI has signed an MoU with ISRO on capacity building in the application of remote sensing in the field of mineral resource. It was signed in February 2013 and will be valid for a period of five years.

***