Ranchi: TEXMiN, the technology innovation and translation research park at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, has signed an agreement with Airborne Geoscience International (AGI) to jointly develop artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)-based systems for mineral prospectivity analysis and mineral target ranking, according to an official release.

Under the partnership, TEXMiN and AGI will develop proprietary AI-driven tools tailored to Indian geological conditions to support the exploration of critical and deep-seated mineral resources.

The systems will integrate and analyse diverse geoscience datasets to identify high-potential mineral exploration targets and rank them based on their prospectivity, the release said.

TEXMiN Project Director and Deputy Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Prof Dheeraj Kumar, said the collaboration reflects the institute's commitment to translating research into practical solutions with real-world applications.

He said AGI would contribute its expertise in airborne geoscience technologies and data interpretation, while TEXMiN would provide capabilities in research, artificial intelligence and advanced mineral prospectivity modelling.

Building on the institute's ongoing work in the critical minerals sector, the partnership aims to develop field-deployable tools that can enable faster and more informed exploration, contributing to India's efforts towards mineral self-reliance, Kumar said.

The collaboration comes at a time when India is seeking to strengthen domestic capabilities in the exploration and development of critical minerals.

The release noted that the Centre launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 with an outlay of Rs 16,300 crore to boost domestic exploration, secure supply chains and promote self-reliance across the mineral value chain.

It said the initiative also aligns with India's energy transition and net-zero commitments, as critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements are essential for clean energy technologies, including batteries, solar modules and wind turbines.

AGI Managing Director Sudipto Mukerji said the collaboration would help accelerate critical mineral exploration, strengthen India's resource security and contribute to the country's vision of achieving self-reliance and becoming a developed nation.