AI & ML to Power Rajasthan’s Mineral Exploration: State Partners with IIT Hyderabad
In a significant advancement for India’s mineral exploration sector, the Government of Rajasthan has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. This collaboration aims to enhance the mapping and exploration of critical minerals across the state, particularly focusing on lithium, rare earth elements, and other vital resources.
Overview of the Partnership
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Pravasi Rajasthani Divas 2025 event held at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre. The agreement, valued at over ₹8.5 crore, was signed in the presence of key officials including the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, and Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad.
Objectives of the Initiative
The primary objective of this collaboration is to develop an AI-driven predictive system that will identify and map critical and strategic minerals across Rajasthan’s 39 districts. This initiative positions Rajasthan as one of the first states in India to implement advanced computational geoscience tools for mineral intelligence and exploration planning.
Components of the Project
The project will be executed in four phases over a period of 18 months. Key components include:
- Development of a comprehensive prediction model that integrates geological, geochemical, geophysical, and multispectral satellite datasets.
- Creation of AI-based mineral prospectivity maps to identify potential zones for minerals such as lithium, copper, graphite, zinc, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
- Delivery of district-wise analytics, data dashboards, and decision-support tools to the Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (RSMET).
Significance of AI and ML in Mineral Exploration
The application of AI and ML in mineral exploration represents a major advancement in how Rajasthan will identify and utilize its mineral wealth. T. Ravikant, Principal Secretary of the Department of Mines, Geology & Petroleum, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the national programs of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Digital India, aiming to modernize the state’s mineral exploration practices.
Expert Insights
Prof. B. S. Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership brings IIT Hyderabad into the forefront of India’s critical mineral and resource intelligence mission. By integrating advanced AI/ML techniques with geoscience, we are creating tools that will help India become a global leader in exploration technologies.”
Project Leadership and Collaboration
The project will be led by Dr. C. Krishna Mohan, a Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Hyderabad. The initiative will also collaborate with Critical Mineral Trackers, a startup based at the Technology Research Park at IIT Hyderabad. This collaboration is expected to reshape mineral exploration practices in Rajasthan and accelerate the discovery of critical minerals essential for India’s clean energy and manufacturing goals.
Global Context and Future Implications
With the global demand for lithium, rare earth elements, and battery metals on the rise, this initiative positions both Rajasthan and India strategically within the future mineral supply chain. The project aims to create a scalable AI-driven model that can be adopted by other states, thereby enhancing India’s overall mineral exploration capabilities.
About IIT Hyderabad
Established in 2008, IIT Hyderabad has quickly risen to prominence in academics, research, and technology development. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF-2025), IIT Hyderabad is ranked 7th among engineering institutes and 6th in innovation. The institute has a strong research focus, with over 5,210 R&D projects and significant contributions to scientific publications and patents.
About Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (RSMET)
The Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (RSMET) is a dedicated entity under the Department of Mines & Geology, Government of Rajasthan. Its mandate includes promoting systematic and technology-driven mineral exploration across the state. RSMET plays a crucial role in strengthening Rajasthan’s mineral sector by adopting modern techniques such as remote sensing and predictive modeling.
Conclusion
The partnership between the Government of Rajasthan and IIT Hyderabad marks a pivotal development in the state’s approach to mineral exploration. By harnessing the power of AI and ML, Rajasthan is set to enhance its capabilities in identifying and utilizing its mineral resources, thereby contributing to India’s broader goals of self-reliance and sustainable development.
Note: This article is based on information available as of October 2023 and aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the collaboration between Rajasthan and IIT Hyderabad for mineral exploration.
