IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, AGI Partner to Build AI Models for Critical Mineral Exploration

IIT (ISM) Dhanbad’s Technology Innovation and Translation Research Park (TTRP), which operates under the aegis of the TEXMiN – Innovation Hub, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airborne Geoscience International (AGI) to develop AI and machine learning-based systems for critical mineral exploration in India.

The collaboration aims to build proprietary AI models that can combine and analyse geological, geophysical, geochemical and GIS data to identify and rank high-potential mineral deposits. According to the partners, the technology will help reduce uncertainty in early-stage exploration and speed up the discovery of critical and deep-seated minerals.

The initiative comes as India seeks to strengthen domestic supplies of minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, which are essential for batteries, electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines. India currently depends heavily on imports for many of these minerals.

The partnership also aligns with the government’s National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), launched in 2025 with an outlay of ₹16,300 crore to boost domestic exploration and build self-reliance across the mineral value chain.

Prof Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Project Director of TEXMiN, said, “The collaboration combines AGI’s advanced airborne geoscience technologies with TEXMiN’s expertise in AI and mineral prospectivity modelling to develop practical tools that can support faster and more informed exploration.”

“India’s geoscience data holds significant untapped value and the partnership will help transform raw survey data into actionable exploration intelligence. AI-driven analysis can play an important role in accelerating discoveries and strengthening India’s resource security,” added Sudipto Mukerji, Managing Director of AGI.

The organisations also plan to create what they describe as India’s first world-class mineral prospectivity database by integrating airborne and ground geophysical surveys with AI-based analysis.

TEXMiN, set up by the Department of Science and Technology at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, focuses on developing mining technologies using AI, drones, robotics and other digital tools. AGI is India’s first technology aggregator for airborne geoscience exploration and operates across India, Australia, the UK and Canada.

The partners believe the collaboration will help improve exploration efficiency, attract investment in India’s mining sector and contribute to the country’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Viksit Bharat and net-zero ambitions.