In a pioneering effort to modernize mineral exploration, IndiaAI, an Independent Business Division under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), in collaboration with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, has launched the IndiaAI Hackathon on AI-driven mineral targeting.

This initiative aims to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to enhance mineral discovery processes. Participants are tasked with developing AI models utilizing multi-parametric geoscience datasets—including geology, geophysics, geochemistry, remote sensing, and borehole data—to identify concealed and deep-seated ore bodies.

The focus is on critical minerals such as Rare Earth Elements (REE), Nickel-Platinum Group Elements (Ni-PGE), and copper, as well as commodities like diamond, iron, manganese, and gold. This approach will help refine AI-driven mineral targeting techniques.

The hackathon encompasses a predefined area of 39,000 sq. km across the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Participants are encouraged to develop AI/ML algorithms for data cleaning, integration, modelling, and validation, with an emphasis on depth modelling to locate unrevealed mineralized bodies.

The ultimate goal is to generate mineral predictive maps that visualize exploration targets through various formats, including maps and sections. These advancements will significantly improve AI-driven mineral targeting in India’s mining sector.

This initiative aligns with IndiaAI’s mission to democratize AI adoption in critical sectors, fostering technological self-reliance and responsible use of AI. By applying AI to mineral targeting, the government aims to improve discovery efficiency and strengthen India’s mining sector while ensuring sustainable mineral exploration. The integration of remote sensing and AI ensures precision in AI-driven mineral targeting, making mineral exploration more efficient and resourceful.

The hackathon is open to startups, companies, academic and research institutions, autonomous bodies—including public sector organizations—and individuals such as students, researchers, or working professionals. Attractive prizes are on offer, with the first prize set at ₹10 lakh, the second at ₹7 lakh, and the third at ₹5 lakh. Additionally, a special prize of ₹5 lakh is reserved for all-women teams, provided no women-led team secures a position in the top three.

Interested participants can find more details and apply at indiaai.gov.in, with the submission deadline set for May 12, 2025.

This hackathon represents a significant step towards integrating advanced technologies like AI and remote sensing into India’s mineral exploration efforts, potentially transforming the sector by making it more efficient, accurate, and sustainable.

Source: PIB