In a significant move toward technological advancement in the geoscience sector, Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into geoscientific research and mineral exploration.

Strategic Academia-Industry Collaboration

The MoU was signed on April 24, 2025, by Shri Pankaj Pandey, Director (Technical), MECL, and Prof. Sachin C. Patwardhan, Dean (R&D), IIT Bombay. The partnership aims to reduce manual intervention in geodata processing and enhance the accuracy and efficiency of mineral exploration through advanced technologies.

Key Attendees at the Signing Ceremony

The event was marked by the presence of senior officials from both institutions. Representing MECL were Shri P. Ravindran (GM, Exploration), Shri Kartik Ramachandran (DGM & HoD, Business Development), Shri Jayanto Chowdhury (HoD, IT), and Shri Sayandeep Chakraborty (Asst. Manager, Geology).
From IIT Bombay, notable attendees included Prof. Radhakrishnan M (HoD, Earth Sciences), Prof. George Mathew, Prof. Shakti Saravanan, and other faculty members.

 

Formation of Joint Task Force

As part of the initiative, a joint task force has been established to identify key strategic areas where AI and ML can be implemented, particularly in enhancing data quality assurance and minimizing manual processes in exploration activities.

This collaboration represents a forward-looking approach to modernizing India’s mineral exploration framework and sets a benchmark for innovation-driven research in the geoscience domain.