NMDC collaborates with IIT Kharagpur for drone-based mineral exploration

National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIT) Kharagpur for drone-based mineral exploration. As per the agreement, both the partners would develop spectral products, methods and algorithms for exploration using the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for mining.

Sumit Deb, CMD, NMDC said, “NMDC would be the first CPSE in India to conduct Drone-based Geophysical Surveys and Hyperspectral Studies for Mineral Exploration in the country. NMDC’s tie-up with IIT-Kharagpur will open a new chapter and set a benchmark in the field of mineral exploration for the nation.” 

The collaboration between NMDC and IIT Kharagpur would further lead to the development of software spectral tools for mineral excavation and capacity building programs on mining technology, the NMDC claimed. 

In August 2021, the central government had liberalised the country’s regulations for the usage of drones to present the new Drone Rules, 2021 thus bringing private startups and institutions into this ambit. With the launch of a policy on drones, the government has taken the first step to regulate and monitor drone usage and operations in India which are currently being used in the fields of agriculture, urban planning, forestry, mining, disaster management, surveillance, transport etc.