GSI inks MoU with NRSC-ISRO

Geological Survey of India (GSI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Remote Sensing Centre-Indian Space Research Organisation (NRSC-ISRO) with the objective of utilizing the airborne Hyperspectral data to find surface signatures of mineralization in 14 promising mineralized blocks.

The blocks are located in different parts of the country, and the project would continue for three years, an official release said here on Friday.

The MoU was inked on Wednesday in the presence of GSI Director General Dinesh Gupta and NRSC Director Santanu Chowdhury.

Hyperspectral data has immense potential for mineral exploration with regard to the mapping of the host rock and surface alterations associated with the mineral forming processes. Hyperspectral remote sensing is also used for mapping minerals on Moon and Mars.

GSI is using such advanced technologies for mineral mapping to ensure resource security of the country, the release said.

GSI is also in pursuit of utilising ultra-modern remote sensing technology for the first time in India using sensor developed by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) named 'Advanced Visible Infra-Red Imaging Spectrometer Next Generation' (AVIRIS-NG) to locate minerals like lead, zinc, copper, platinum, diamond, gold and other associated minerals.