Drill Core Digitisation Laboratory Inaugurated at IIT (ISM), Dhanbad
On December 4, 2025, a new drill core digitisation laboratory was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. This state-of-the-art facility aims to support exploration agencies by providing advanced, digitised core logging and analysis infrastructure.
Collaboration and Inauguration
The laboratory was established through a collaborative effort between IIT (ISM), Dhanbad, the Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation (TEXMiN), and Geotek Ltd. from the United Kingdom. The inauguration ceremony was officiated by P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, alongside Sukumar Mishra, the director of IIT (ISM).
Significance of the Laboratory
The establishment of this laboratory marks a significant advancement in India’s exploration capabilities. According to Dheeraj Kumar, the Deputy Director of IIT (ISM), the laboratory is a step towards achieving data-backed certainty in exploration, facilitating faster discovery cycles, and fostering globally competitive innovation originating from India.
Supporting Energy Ambitions
The laboratory is expected to play a crucial role in supporting India’s energy ambitions and strategic industries. It will enhance precision in core analysis, reduce reliance on manual interpretation, and accelerate decision-making processes in critical areas such as:
- Green energy
- Electric vehicles
- Defence systems
- Advanced manufacturing
International Collaboration
Andrew Fleming, the British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating that it embodies the spirit of the India-UK science and technology partnership. The partnership aims to leverage expertise and technology from both countries to enhance India’s capabilities in mineral exploration and research.
Technological Advancements in Mining
The digitisation of drill cores represents a significant technological advancement in the field of mining and exploration. Traditional methods of core logging often involve manual interpretation, which can be time-consuming and prone to human error. The new laboratory aims to address these challenges by providing a platform for:
- Automated data collection
- High-resolution imaging
- Advanced analytical tools
Benefits of Digitisation
By digitising drill cores, exploration agencies can benefit in several ways:
- Improved Accuracy: Automated systems can provide more accurate data, reducing the likelihood of errors associated with manual logging.
- Faster Processing: The speed of data processing can significantly increase, allowing for quicker decision-making.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Digital data can be easily shared among researchers and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and innovation.
Future Implications
The implications of the drill core digitisation laboratory extend beyond immediate benefits. As India continues to pursue its energy goals and develop its mineral resources, the laboratory will play a pivotal role in:
- Supporting sustainable mining practices
- Contributing to the development of critical minerals
- Enhancing the overall efficiency of mineral exploration
Conclusion
The inauguration of the drill core digitisation laboratory at IIT (ISM), Dhanbad, represents a significant milestone in India’s journey towards advanced mineral exploration and research. With the support of international partnerships and cutting-edge technology, this initiative is set to enhance the country’s capabilities in critical areas essential for its future.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the official announcement and statements made during the inauguration ceremony. The laboratory’s impact will be closely monitored as it begins operations in the coming months.
