G. Kishan Reddy inaugurates new facilities at GSI Hyderabad campus

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy has inaugurated three new state-of-the-art facilities at the Geological Survey of India Training Institute in Hyderabad, setting out a plan to upgrade the 50-year-old campus into a global Centre of Excellence.

Speaking at the institute's Nagole-Bandlaguda campus alongside Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender, the minister asked the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to deploy artificial intelligence, machine learning, remote sensing, and advanced data analytics to accelerate the discovery of critical minerals across the country.

Infrastructure upgrades at GSITI Hyderabad

The three facilities represent a combined investment in research, digital training, and international accommodation for visiting scientists.

National Critical Mineral Mission and future exploration

Reddy urged GSI scientists to step up surveys under the National Critical Mineral Mission, targeting reserves of lithium, graphite, cobalt, and heavy rare-earth elements. He specifically pointed to ongoing exploration projects, such as the Siwana Ring Complex in Rajasthan, as vital steps toward reducing India's dependence on foreign mineral imports.

To speed up commercial extraction, the minister instructed GSI to set up dedicated exploration teams. Their task will be to fast-track survey reports so that critical mineral blocks can be readied quickly for public auction.

"With agreements being signed with international organisations, joint training, faculty exchange, and knowledge sharing will be facilitated at GSI-TI," Reddy said. "This will help our scientists learn the world’s best practices. The focus should be on training for the exploration of critical minerals like lithium, graphite, and cobalt."

He added that the institute will also expand its training programs for state geological departments and notified exploration agencies to build national capacity.

Eatala Rajender noted that global industrial competitiveness relies heavily on domestic access to advanced technologies and semiconductor materials, praising the GSI's 176-year national legacy. Director General Dinesh V. Ganvir and Joint Secretary Farida M. Naik were also present at the inauguration.