Govt formulates plan for GSI modernisation

The government today said it has formulated a plan to modernise the Geological Survey of India to bring the mining technologies at par with international standards besides undertaking a slew of other measures.

"GSI is planning an extensive programme of modernisation... On the advice of the parliamentary standing committee and as per guidelines laid down by an expert panel on modernisation of GSI, constituted by Ministry of Mines," Mines Minister B K Handique told the Lower House in reply to a query.

The modernisation will help GSI in maximum exploration based on scientific mining methods in line with the National Mineral Policy, 2008, he told the Lok Sabha.

In GSI, continuous efforts are being made to upgrade the technology and use latest equipment as per international standard for regional exploration of minerals, he added.

Meanwhile, the GSI is in the process of acquiring advanced gadgets and equipment including a new Ocean Research Vessel and Geo-technical Vessel.

GSI is the principal agency for geological mapping and regional mineral resources assessment of the country.

India produces as many as 86 minerals, which include 4 fuels, 10 metallic, 46 non-metallic, 3 atomic and 23 minor minerals.