Geological Survey of India
Also called: GSI · Topic: Mineral Resources of India: Distribution and Conservation · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is the national agency that studies the rocks under India's land. It was set up in 1851, works under the Ministry of Mines and has its headquarters in Kolkata. Its teams survey and map rocks, look for mineral deposits and study geological hazards such as landslides and earthquakes. It moves a deposit through the exploration stages, the steps that show how big and how rich a deposit is. These run from reconnaissance (G4), a first rough look, through G3 and G2 to detailed exploration (G1). It has also mapped 381 hot springs and 10 geothermal provinces, which are areas where heat from inside the earth comes close to the surface. Its findings show where mining, and later industry, can begin.
Example
In February 2023, GSI reported 5.9 million tonnes of inferred lithium resources at Salal-Haimana in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. Inferred means estimated, not proven. The find was only at the G3 (preliminary) stage, so its grade was still uncertain.
Don't confuse with
- Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM): set up in 1948, it regulates mining (how mines are run and how minerals are conserved). GSI finds and studies the deposits.
- Survey of India: it maps the land surface (relief, rivers, towns) to make topographic maps. GSI maps the rocks and minerals underneath.