National Geoscience Awards 2024: Honouring India’s mineral pioneers
The National Geoscience Awards 2024, presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, celebrated India’s strides in geoscience, sustainable mineral development, and strategic self-reliance. Instituted in 1966 by the Ministry of Mines, the awards recognise exceptional achievements in exploration, mining, and allied geoscience fields that are critical to energy security, industrial growth, and national progress.
This year, 20 eminent scientists were honoured with 12 awards across three categories, the National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement, the National Young Geoscientist Award, and 10 National Geoscience Awards in diverse geoscience domains. Prof. Shyam Sundar Rai received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in solid earth and exploration geophysics. Shri Susobhan Neogi was awarded the Young Geoscientist Award for contributions in tectonics and mineral genesis. Other awardees included Dr. A. K. Singh (mineral exploration), Dr. R. P. Sharma (applied geophysics), Dr. Neha Gupta (sustainable mining), Dr. V. R. Rao (geochemistry), Dr. S. K. Verma (environmental geoscience), and Dr. Meera Nair (seismology), among others. Collectively, these awards reflect India’s broad achievements across geoscience research, exploration, and sustainable resource development.
Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted geoscience as “a key pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047 , driving industrial and technological development,” urging young scientists to lead a “360-degree transformation in exploration and innovation.” Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal stated that reforms like the MMDR Act amendments of 2021 and the National Geoscience Data Repository are “unlocking India’s mineral potential” and making resource exploration more transparent and efficient.
President Droupadi Murmu underscored that “minerals have shaped human civilisation, from the Stone Age to the modern era,” and called on scientists to develop technologies for deep-sea resource exploration while protecting marine biodiversity. She emphasised Rare Earth Elements (REEs) as “the backbone of modern technology,” adding that India must become self-reliant in their production to ensure national security and technological sovereignty.
Leveraging global advancements for India’s growth
India is benefiting from global geoscience innovations, including AI-driven mineral exploration, drone-based surveys, and advanced geophysical and geochemical techniques. For example, Rajasthan has piloted AI and machine learning for mineral mapping, Maharashtra uses drones for precise quarry surveys, and Hyderabad-based Altmin is establishing a lithium refining facility in Brazil. International collaboration allows Indian scientists to adopt best practices in REE refining, sustainable mining, and clean energy resource development, strengthening strategic supply chains and reducing dependency on imports.
Leading in sustainable mineral development
Through initiatives like the National Critical Mineral Mission and eco-friendly mining practices, India is emerging as a global leader in responsible mineral development. For instance, awardee Dr. Susobhan Neogi’s work on mapping thrust belts aids targeted exploration, reducing environmental disruption, while several other awardees have developed techniques for tailings recovery and waste valorisation in Rajasthan and Jharkhand. Precision extraction methods pioneered by awardees in mineral-rich regions ensure both economic growth and environmental sustainability. By combining innovation, data-driven decision-making, and indigenous technology development, India is positioning itself ahead of many resource-rich nations as a benchmark for sustainable and strategic geoscience leadership.
By celebrating innovation, scientific excellence, and sustainability, the National Geoscience Awards are not only honouring individual achievements but also strengthening India’s journey toward energy security, self-reliance, and global leadership in mineral and technological development.