President Droupadi Murmu Presents National Geoscience Awards 2024, Emphasizes Sustainable Mining and Technological Innovation.
New Delhi:
In a prestigious ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre today, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Geoscience Awards 2024, honouring exceptional contributions in the field of geosciences. The event, organized by the Ministry of Mines, celebrated the achievements of India’s top geoscientists and highlighted their role in nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, President Murmu underscored the historic and ongoing significance of minerals in human civilization. She recalled how entire eras — the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age — have been defined by the minerals that shaped them. “Industrialization would have been unimaginable without minerals like iron and coal,” she said, emphasizing their pivotal role in economic development.
However, the President also drew attention to the environmental and social challenges associated with mining, such as displacement of communities, deforestation, and pollution. She called for strict adherence to environmental regulations, stressing that mine closure processes must be carried out responsibly to safeguard both human and ecological interests.
Highlighting India’s vast marine potential, President Murmu noted that the country, being surrounded by oceans on three sides, holds untapped mineral wealth beneath the seafloor. She urged geoscientists to innovate and develop sustainable technologies to explore and utilize these underwater resources without compromising marine biodiversity.
“The role of geoscientists goes beyond mining. They are also custodians of geo-environmental sustainability,” the President remarked. She encouraged the use of advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and drone-based surveys in mining operations to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. She appreciated the Ministry of Mines for promoting such innovations and for taking proactive steps in recovering valuable elements from mine tailings.
A significant portion of her address focused on the importance of Rare Earth Elements (REEs). Describing them as the “backbone of modern technology,” the President emphasized their role in powering smartphones, electric vehicles, defense equipment, and clean energy systems. Given the current global geopolitical climate, she highlighted the need for India to become self-reliant in REE production. “REEs are not rare due to scarcity, but due to the complexity of refining them. Developing indigenous technology for their extraction and processing is crucial for our national interest and security,” she said.
The National Geoscience Awards, instituted by the Ministry of Mines, are among the highest honors in the field of Earth Sciences in India. They aim to recognize individuals and institutions for their outstanding achievements in geoscience, mining, exploration, and sustainable development.
The 2024 awardees were selected for their pioneering work in various domains, including mineral discovery, geological research, and environmental sustainability — underscoring India’s growing emphasis on balancing development with ecological responsibility.
As the nation aspires toward a self-reliant and technologically advanced future, President Murmu’s remarks served as both a tribute to India’s geoscientific community and a clarion call for innovation, responsibility, and sustainability in the mineral sector.
