A MoU was signed recently between NMDC and ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre opening up the possibilities for NMDC to use ISRO’s technology for mineral exploration and a host of other related ventures. NMDC is slated to be the first company under the Ministry of Steel to use satellite based geological mapping for mineral exploration. Shri P K Satpathy, Director Production, NMDC said that “this will herald a new era of mining and open up immense possibilities for NMDC besides exploration and this day will be a milestone in the history of domestic mining.” “Signing of the MoU is a step forward towards fulfilling the nation’s dream of a “Digital India” as space technology provides real-time data for generation of digital maps,” he said.
According to the MoU, NMDC will establish a Remote Sensing & GIS Laboratory at its head office in Hyderabad for interpretation of satellite data that will help NMDC identify and limit mineral potential areas to a smaller zone thereby negating the need for wide physical exploration. Besides, under NRSC’s expert guidance NMDC will be able to assess the impact of its mining on the environment to ensure sustainable mining by taking pre-emptive steps for better environment management.