Ministry of Mines launches National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) portal

The Ministry of Mines unveiled the National Geology Data Repository (NGDR) portal at a grand ceremony in New Delhi. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive online platform to access, share and analyze geospatial information across the country, an important step in democratizing critical geoscience data.

About National Geology Data Repository (NGDR) Portal:

• The initiative called NGDR Portal has been launched under the leadership of Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N).
• Objective: It aims to represent a significant effort in providing universal access to critical geoscience data, providing unprecedented access to invaluable resources while empowering stakeholders in industry and academia.
• The portal includes 35 map services, including geological, geochemical and geophysical data layers, enabling users to view, download and interpret data.
• The initiative is led by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N).
• Ministry of Mines conceptualized construction of NGDR as part of NMEP 2016.

Key Features of National Geology Data Repository (NGDR) Portal:

• Centralized access: Provides a centralized repository of diverse geoscience datasets, including geological maps, mineral resources, seismic data, and environmental information.
• User-friendly interface: An intuitive interface designed to cater to a wide range of users, enabling seamless navigation and exploration of data.
• MERT Template: Mineral Exploration Reporting Template facilitates all geological stakeholders to submit their data to the NGDR portal in a standard reporting template.
• Analytical Tools: Equipped with cutting-edge analytical tools to interpret and extract valuable insights from complex geospatial data.
• Open access: Encourages transparency and knowledge sharing by offering open access to geoscience information.

Importance:

The platform democratizes critical geoscience data, providing unprecedented access to resources for stakeholders across industry and academia. This will further increase investment attractiveness in India's mining sector. India now joins the ranks of other mineral rich countries where access to geological data plays an important role in promoting their mineral exploration programmes.