Union Minister Launches National DMF Portal to Boost Transparency in Mineral Sector

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy introduced a centralized platform, the National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) portal, to increase transparency in India's mineral sector. The portal offers detailed information on 645 DMFs, oversight in projects, and best practices. Reddy also announced a Hackathon to promote AI and ML in mineral exploration.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy on Saturday launched the National District Mineral Foundation (DMF) portal, a centralized platform to gather information on the District Mineral Foundations across the country. The new portal aims to bring enhanced transparency with detailed data on 645 DMFs, centralised visibility of activities, dynamic analytics, and a repository of best practices for effective implementation, stated an official release.

Reddy also unveiled the Mineral Exploration Hackathon, which is designed to encourage innovative mineral hunt techniques. This initiative focuses on the use of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for analyzing geophysical data and integrating multiple mineral exploration data sets, including baseline and available exploration data, to identify new mineral targets, especially those that are deep-seated or concealed.

During the event, Reddy handed over certificates to the eight preferred bidders of the second and third tranche of the e-auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks. The occasion was also graced by the presence of Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Vijay Kumar Sinha and officials from various organizations.

(With inputs from agencies.)