₹15 Cr boost for AI in mining as IIT-Kharagpur launches new centre

The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has established the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for AI-enabled Geological and Mining Systems , aimed at driving data-driven innovation in India’s mining sector.

The centre has been launched with a funding commitment of ₹15 crore over five years from Vikram Sodhi , Vice Chairman of Mineros SA and Managing Partner at Sun Valley Investments, the institute said.

Conceived as a national platform for integrated research, the facility will focus on developing artificial intelligence systems tailored to India’s complex geological conditions. While digital tools have been introduced in mining, their fragmented use has limited large-scale transformation. The new centre aims to bridge this gap by creating cohesive, mining-specific AI systems that operate across the entire value chain.

The initiative will support key areas including mineral exploration, mine planning, operations, safety monitoring, and environmental management . By integrating geological data, sensor inputs, and operational metrics, the systems are expected to enable real-time decision-making and predictive analytics.

A major focus will be on predictive maintenance , allowing early detection of equipment failures, and AI-driven safety systems to assess risks and prevent accidents. The centre will also advance ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) analytics , helping mining companies monitor environmental impact and improve sustainability practices.

Its research will span disciplines such as geology, mining engineering, and artificial intelligence, creating a unified intelligence framework. Additionally, an industry-linked grand challenges programme will leverage real-world datasets from industry partners to develop practical and scalable solutions.

IIT-Kharagpur Director Prof. Suman Chakraborty said the centre strengthens interdisciplinary research and positions the institute to address complex national challenges through innovation.

The initiative is expected to significantly enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in India’s mining sector.