Hyderabad: Union Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy on Monday emphasised that India is entering a new era where science, sustainability, and technology will play a pivotal role in mineral exploration.
Inaugurating a conference on ‘Next-Gen Geophysics 2025: Unlocking Earth’s Hidden Treasures’ at the Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) here, Kishan Reddy said the vital role of geophysics in achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat by providing innovative tools to address challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, and disaster risk mitigation, an official release said.
The union minister urged geoscientists to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing for enhanced exploration, including predicting hidden mineral resources and interpreting seismic data with greater precision.
India is entering a new era where science, sustainability, and technology will play a pivotal role in mineral exploration. There is also a need for innovation alongside collaboration with academia and industry. Flagship initiatives like the ₹10,300 crore India AI Mission and the ₹6,000 crore National Quantum Mission could become catalysts for innovation, he said.
Mr. Reddy highlighted the establishment of the National Landslide Forecasting Centre and a recent Memorandum of Understanding with Italy for enhancing disaster preparedness. He called for the expansion of monitoring networks and the adoption of cutting-edge forecasting technologies.
The Minister stressed the importance of responsible mining practices that benefit local communities and protect the environment. He highlighted the vital role of geophysics in achieving the goals of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by providing innovative tools to address challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and disaster risk mitigation.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Reddy, along with Malakjgiri MP Eatala Rajender, inaugurated two newly inducted Hydrostatic Drill Rigs, the next-gen geophysics expo pavilion, showcasing advanced geophysical tools and AI-enabled exploration models. GSITI’s deputy director general S. Ravi, GSI DG Asit Saha, and additional director S.D. Patbhaje, leading geoscientific experts from the country and abroad, participated, as per a press release.
