IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), in partnership with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, has launched IndiaAI Hackathon 2025 on Mineral Targeting. This initiative leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies to enhance mineral discovery and geological analysis in India.
Key Objectives of Hackathon on Mineral Targeting
The hackathon focuses on integrating AI and ML tools with multi-parametric geoscience datasets, including geology, geophysics, geochemistry, remote sensing, and borehole data, to achieve the following goals:
Mineral Discovery and Targeting:
The exploration will focus on a predefined area covering 39,000 sq. km across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Identify potential areas for exploration of critical minerals, including:
- Rare Earth Elements (REE)
- Nickel-Platinum Group Elements (Ni-PGE)
- Copper, Diamond, Iron, Manganese, and Gold.
Locating Deep-Seated Mineral Deposits:
Emphasize locating unrevealed and deep-seated mineralized bodies using advanced depth modelling techniques.
AI/ML Algorithm Development:
Develop AI/ML algorithms for data cleaning, integration, modelling, and validation of geoscience datasets.
Generation of Mineral Predictive Maps:
Create mineral predictive maps and visualize exploration targets using geological maps, sections, and 3D modelling.
Eligibility and Participation: The hackathon is open to a wide range of participants, including:
- Startups and Companies
- Academic and Research Institutions
- Public Sector Organizations and Autonomous Bodies
- Students, Researchers, and Working Professionals (either as individuals or in teams).
Exciting Prizes for Winners: The hackathon offers significant prize money to recognize the best innovations in AI-based mineral targeting:
- Submission Deadline: May 12, 2025
- First Prize: ₹10 Lakh
- Second Prize: ₹7 Lakh
- Third Prize: ₹5 Lakh
- Special Prize for All-Women Teams: ₹5 Lakh. Awarded if no all-women team ranks in the top 3 positions, to encourage female participation in AI and geosciences.
Significance of Hackathon:
The IndiaAI Hackathon 2025 aims to:
- Democratize AI Adoption: Encourage innovative AI applications in critical sectors like mining and geosciences. By applying AI to mineral targeting, the hackathon aims to modernize India’s mining sector and improve its global competitiveness.
- Boost Technological Self-Reliance: Strengthen India’s capabilities in AI-based mineral exploration and geological analysis.
- Enhance Mining Efficiency: Improve the efficiency of mineral discovery processes by reducing exploration time and costs.
- Sustainable Exploration: Promote responsible and sustainable mineral exploration practices to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact.
About Geological Survey of India (GSI)
GSI is a premier scientific organization under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. Established in 1851, GSI is responsible for conducting geological surveys and studies to explore and assess the country’s mineral resources and contribute to national development.
Headquarters: Kolkata, India.
Motto: “Nation’s Custodian of Subsurface Resources.”
Key Functions of GSI:
Mineral Exploration: Conducts surveys to identify and assess deposits of minerals like coal, iron ore, gold, bauxite, and rare earth elements (REEs).
Geological Mapping: Prepares geological and geophysical maps, contributing to the study of the Earth’s crust and mineral distribution.
Natural Hazard Assessment: Monitors and studies earthquakes, landslides, and other natural hazards for disaster mitigation.
Research & Development: Engages in research related to geosciences, including remote sensing, geochemistry, and hydrogeology.Data Repository: Serves as a repository of geoscientific data and disseminates this information to stakeholders.