Exploration of Mineral Resources GSI has covered the entire 31.4 lakh sq km of the countrys mappable area by systematic geological mapping on 1:50,000 scale on the basis of which Obvious Geological Potential [OGP] area of about 8 lakh sq. km has been identified. Of the identified OGP area, GSI has covered 3.17 lakh sq. km. and 1.9 lakh sq. km. by National Geochemical Mapping and National Geophysical Mapping respectively. Further, for accelerating exploration especially targeting deep-seated and concealed mineral deposits over the obvious geological potential areas, the National Mineral Exploration Policy [NMEP] has been approved by the Government in July, 2016. The NMEP is available on the website of Ministry of Mines (http://mines.nic.in/writereaddata/Content/NMEP.pdf). The NMEP proposes, inter-alia, to attract private exploration agencies through revenue sharing mechanism, carry out aerogeophysical mapping of the country, make available baseline data free of cost as public good, collate and share data of various exploration agencies. The amount estimated for implementing NMEP in the next five years is about Rs.2116 crore. This is proposed to be funded from the regular annual budget of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached office of Ministry of Mines, and additional funds from National Mineral Exploration Trust and budgetary support by the Central Government. GSI has initiated a National Aerogeophysical Mapping Program over the Obvious Geological Potential (OGP) areas covering an area of about 8 lakh sq. km for acquiring the baseline magnetic and spectrometric data. This project with an estimated cost of ?352 crore will be funded through the National Mineral Exploration Trust and is planned to be completed by 2019. The project aims at, inter alia, identifying targets for concealed and deep seated mineral deposits. By April 2017, survey over an area of about 2.05 lakh sq. km is planned to be carried out for which GSI has floated global tender notice for engaging Service Provider(s) at an estimated cost of ?90 crore for carrying out multisensory aerogeophysical surveys. This information was given by the Minister of State (IC) in the Ministry of Mines, Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy Shri Piyush Goyal in reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
