National Geoscience Data Repository Portal

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

Gearing up for the success of the first tranche of auction of Critical and Strategic Minerals, launched on 29^th November, 2023, the Ministry of Mines conducted a roadshow here on 19^th December, 2023, in the presence of Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi, Minister of state for Mines, Coal & Railways, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve and Secretary, Ministry of Mines Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, senior officers of the Ministry, Industry Associations and PSUs. Over 45 companies, consultants and exploration agencies participated in the event. Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi also launched the National Geoscience Data Repository Portal (NGDR) during the event.

A total of 20 critical & strategic mineral blocks will be auctioned in the 1^st tranche, out of which 16 mineral blocks are put up for grant of Composite Licence and four mineral blocks for grant of Mining Lease. The minerals include Graphite, Glauconite, Lithium, REE, Molybdenum, Nickel, Potash etc. The blocks are spread across the States of Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and UT – Jammu & Kashmir.

Addressing the function, Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi appraised the efforts and initiatives undertaken by Ministry of Mines for increasing domestic production of minerals, meeting the goals of self-sufficiency as envisioned by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He emphasized how the Indian mining sector in general, and critical minerals in particular are significant in the present global context, underscoring priorities such as strengthening domestic production, fostering self-sufficiency, diminishing import reliance, advocating sustainable resource management, attracting investments in the mining sector and advancing key industries crucial for India’s industrial and technological progress. The Government is committed to bring more critical mineral blocks to auction in a phased manner, the Minister added.

The Minister of State for Mines, Coal and Railways, Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve expressed optimism about the potential success of the initial phase of the critical minerals auction, seeing it as a positive stride toward establishing a dependable supply chain for these minerals, aligning with the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat and contributing to heightened economic growth. The Minister of State of Mines reiterated the government’s efforts to bring these blocks into auction and how the success of this auction process relies on the active participation from the industry. He called upon all the participants to demonstrate the highest standards of transparency, fairness and ethical practices throughout the auction process.

Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines gave insights about the steps taken by Ministry of Mines to increase the exploration activity carried out in the country and about the efforts to streamline the policy framework for multifaceted growth of the mineral sector. Secretary, Mines also responded to the queries of the participants and ensured all assistance from the Ministry for easy participation in the e-auction process. Shri Rao also encouraged the participants to give their suggestions for the e-auction process being conducted by Central Government.

The roadshow was held with the objective to guide the potential bidders regarding the auction process. Additional Secretary – Ministry of Mines, Mr. Sanjay Lohiya welcomed the dignitaries and initiated the discussion on the importance of the auction of critical & strategic minerals.

Dr Veena Kumari Dermal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines began with the presentation and appraised the audience regarding the prevalent mineral policies and the reform of MMDR Act and rules thereunder for enabling the Central Government for auction of critical & strategic mineral blocks. Further, the Joint Secretary briefed the audience about the 20 blocks launched in the first tranche of auction and presented the estimated timeline of the e-auction process. This was followed by presentations of SBI Capital Markets Limited – Transaction Advisor, MECL – Technical Advisor, and MSTC – Auction Platform provider, giving information to the potential bidders regarding the e-auction and details of the critical mineral blocks put to auction.

SBI Capital Markets Limited presented the details of the auction process to the stakeholders including the eligibility conditions, general guidelines to the auction process, and bidding parameters. MECL highlighted the importance of Critical and Strategic Minerals in modern technologies and shared the details of 20 critical mineral blocks being put to auction. MSTC walked participants through the registration process along with the technicalities of the auction portal. Subsequently, the queries received from the audience were addressed by the presenters.

Director (NMET), Ministry of Mines highlighted the efforts of Ministry in facilitating the engagement of Notified Private Exploration Agencies (NPEAs) to expedite mineral exploration in the country. He further informed about the scheme on funding of Notified Private Exploration Agency (NPEA) through National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). The Ministry has notified 16 such private agencies. Also informed about the proposed amendment in Mineral (Auction) Rules 2015 and comments were sought on the same.

Further, presentation on the details of Exploration Licence, a recently included provision in the MMDR Act and the rules thereunder. Exploration Licence is a provision for grant of a mineral concession for undertaking full range of exploration starting from reconnaissance to prospecting operations. The move is to engage the private players and junior mining companies in the exploration of deep-seated minerals, in line with international practice. The draft amendments made in the MMDR Act were presented to the participants and suggestions/comments were sought from the stakeholders.

Pre-bid conference with prospective bidder is scheduled on 22nd December 2023, last date of sale of Tender Document is 16th January 2024 and last date of bid submission is 22nd January 2024. Thereafter, e-auction will commence for selection of preferred bidder. Details of the mines, auction terms, timelines etc. can be accessed on MSTC auction platform at www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcl/index.jsp.

The National Geoscience Data Repository(NGDR) has been created, as a part of the National Mineral Exploration Policy, 2016, hosting all baseline and exploration-related geoscientific data in a single GIS platform, to expedite, enhance and facilitate the exploration coverage of the country. The NGDR initiative, spearheaded by Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskarachaya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N) represents a significant leap forward in democratizing critical geoscience data, empowering stakeholders across industries and academia with unprecedented access to invaluable resources.

Currently, 35 map services like geological, geochemical and geophysical, data layers have been incorporated with the NGDR portal. These data sets can be viewed accessed and downloaded. This interplay of different geo-layers and further interpretation helps in targeting potential mineral zones. The NGDR portal can be accessed through https://geodataindia.gov.in. The user, after registration in the portal can view, download and interpret the data.

The creation of NGDR was conceptualized by the Ministry of Mines (MoM) as part of the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP) 2016. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was given the responsibility to establish NGDR. The NGDR will make available all geological, geochemical, geophysical and mineral exploration data in public domain on a digital geospatial platform. This will include baseline geoscience data and all mineral exploration information generated by various central and state government agencies and mineral concession holders . The greater goal of this initiative is to increase the investment attractiveness of the mining sector in India.

Key Features of the National Geoscience Data Portal (NGDR):

Centralized Access: Provides a centralized repository of diverse geoscience datasets, including geological maps, mineral resources, seismic data, and environmental information.
User-Friendly Interface: An intuitive interface designed to cater to a wide range of users, enabling seamless navigation and exploration of data.
MERT template: The Mineral Exploration Reporting Template facilitates all the geoscientific stakeholders to submit their data in the NGDR portal in a standard reporting template.
Analytical Tools: Equipped with state-of-the-art analytical tools to interpret and extract valuable insights from complex geospatial data.
Open Access: Encourages transparency and knowledge sharing by offering open access to a wealth of geoscience information.

How to Access:

The NGDR Portal can be accessed at https://geodataindia.gov.in.

The development of this portal will help various geoscience agencies such as GSI, MECL, State Departments of Mining and Geology, private agencies, and other stakeholders agencies of the country. As the geoscience data through this portal will be available globally for viewing, downloading and interpretation, it will facilitate global mining companies to invest in India and bring new technologies in mineral exploration.

Globally, all the mineral-rich countries have a robust geoscience data portal having various layers of geoscientific information i.e. geological, geophysical, geochemical, etc. to support their mineral exploration programmes. With this state-of-the-art, user-friendly, interoperable platform, India is now in the league of other mineral-rich countries where the accessibility of geoscientific data plays a vital role in fostering their mineral exploration programmes.

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Steps Taken for Early Submission of Reports by Geological Survey of India

By Shashikant Nishant Sharma

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.

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 in-house 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.

The following technology initiatives have been adopted for expediting field surveys and reports on potential mineral resource deposits by GSI:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.

How dangerous is Volcanic Lava?

We all know that lava erupting from a volcano can be too hot and dangerous but to what Fahrenheit and how is it monitored?

Lava flows that spontaneously utilise apertures in vents and cracks to escape are closely related to volcanic explosions. Lava extrudes with an amber glow at degrees between 1470°F and 2190°F. Lava cannot compete with the sun, which has an incredible temperature of roughly 10,000° F, even at this temperature. Practically all living things, including people, animals, plants, crops, and even dwellings, are negatively impacted by the intense heat from lava that results from an eruption.

Any substance with a melting temperature lower than 2,190° F may be melted by lava, including rubber, tanks, vehicles, trees, and grass. If it is unable to completely melt the materials, it can ignite them and eventually reduce them to ashes. But we must remember that volcanic lava is unquestionably hazardous and is far stronger than burning of wood or coal, therefore one must be extremely cautious when in its proximity.

The use of GPS devices or transmitters to aid in the most accurate mapping of current lava flows. The signals are obtained by radio waves sent by satellites circling the planet, and they provide crucial information for monitoring lava flows that may be moving closer to populated areas.

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