TEXMiN & Geotek Launch Drill Core Digitisation Lab at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad

TEXMiN & Geotek Launch Drill Core Digitisation Lab at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad

TEXMiN and Geotek (UK) Launch State-of-Art: Drill Core Digitisation Laboratory at IIT(ISM) Dhanbad

New Delhi, Dec 05: In a significant advancement for India’s mineral exploration landscape, the Technology Innovation in Exploration & Mining Foundation (TEXMiN), IIT(ISM) Dhanbad, in collaboration with Geotek Ltd. (UK), inaugurated the TEXMiN–Geotek Drill Core Digitisation Laboratory today at the Institute Innovation Hub (i2h). The facility was formally inaugurated by Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Government of India, in the august presence of Prof. Sukumar Mishra, Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad & Chairman, Hub Governing Board, TEXMiN Foundation. This pioneering laboratory represents an important milestone in India’s journey towards technologically enabled, data-driven, and transparent mineral exploration, aligning directly with the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) and the expanding India–UK innovation partnership.

The establishment of this state-of-the-art laboratory follows a strategic Memorandum of Understanding between TEXMiN and Geotek. Through this collaboration, both organisations aim to introduce globally accredited, non-destructive, multi-sensor geological core analysis technologies in India. The laboratory will support exploration agencies, PSUs, private mining operators, academic researchers, and startups by providing access to advanced, digitised core logging and analysis infrastructure. By harnessing automated workflows, integrated sensor technologies, and digital datasets, the laboratory will enhance precision, reduce dependency on manual interpretation, and accelerate decision-making in areas essential for India’s future, particularly in critical minerals that power green energy, electric vehicles, defence systems, and advanced manufacturing.

A major technological highlight of the laboratory is Geotek’s BoxScan platform, which has been deployed at TEXMiN to enable comprehensive digital scanning of drill cores and chip boxes. BoxScan combines high-resolution photography, hyperspectral mineral identification, geochemical characterisation using pXRF, magnetic and structural analysis, and depth-linked digital output generation. Its field-deployable design, automated calibration systems, and modular architecture allow a single operator to generate multiple geological datasets simultaneously with exceptional accuracy and repeatability. This capability marks a paradigm shift from traditional exploration practices to real-time, high-fidelity subsurface intelligence that can be used for predictive modelling, resource classification, and exploration automation.

Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Deputy Director, IIT(ISM) Dhanbad & Project Director, TEXMiN Foundation, stated:

“India is entering a defining phase in the critical minerals landscape, and strengthening our exploration capability is central to this shift. Through this laboratory, we are not just enabling access to high-quality geological intelligence—we are advancing towards data-backed certainty, faster discovery cycles, and globally competitive innovation born in India. This initiative will support our energy ambitions, strategic industries and the future of mineral research in the country.”

Mr. Tom White, Managing Director, Geotek Ltd. (UK), emphasised the global significance of the partnership. He observed,

“For over two decades, Geotek has helped explorers across the world unlock geological value. Our partnership with TEXMiN brings world-class core digitisation to India, enabling faster decisions, reduced risks, and a new standard of exploration excellence. BoxScan at IIT(ISM) is not just equipment; it represents a transformation in how India understands and utilises its mineral wealth.”

Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner to East and Northeast India, highlighted the broader diplomatic and technological implications. He remarked,

“This collaboration embodies the spirit of the India–UK science and technology partnership. Critical minerals are foundational to future economies, and this initiative reinforces our shared commitment to innovation-led, secure, and sustainable mineral supply chains.”

The inauguration of the TEXMiN–Geotek Drill Core Digitisation Laboratory positions India among the leading nations leveraging digital geology for strategic minerals. It reinforces TEXMiN’s role as a national hub for Mining 4.0 transformation and strengthens India’s preparedness for the material demands of the global clean energy transition. As critical minerals increasingly define geopolitical and industrial futures, this initiative provides India with the scientific infrastructure and technological foresight required to secure its strategic autonomy.