Nagpur, 7.9.2026

A one-day workshop on “Approach of Transforming Data into Intelligent Governance through AI-enabled Mining Tenement System (MTS)” was jointly organised by the Nagpur Chapter of the Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI) and the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) at Hotel Tuli International, Nagpur, on 5 September 2026.

The workshop explored the use of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to transform mining data into an intelligent, transparent and efficient governance and regulatory framework.

Shri Pankaj Kulshrestha, Controller General, IBM, inaugurated the workshop. In his inaugural address, he described IBM’s Mining Tenement System (MTS) as a flagship initiative for digitising and automating the entire life cycle of mineral concessions. He said the system had enabled the integration of mining-related data from mines across the country.

“Presently, MTS has 14 modules covering mine spatial data, operations, production, revenue, royalty and other aspects. IBM possesses enormous data that can be leveraged through AI, data analytics, GIS and IoT to develop an intelligent system capable of generating automated alerts for mine violations and inspections,” he said.

Shri Kulshrestha said IBM was working towards reducing dependence on traditional inspection mechanisms and easing the compliance burden on the mining industry. The Bureau envisages developing a Smart Governance Platform by strengthening the MTS ecosystem with AI-enabled technologies and integrating diverse mine and mineral-sector datasets.

He also highlighted IBM’s collaboration with VNIT, Nagpur, for training officers in AI tools, expressing confidence that the Bureau could develop a national-level Smart Governance and Monitoring System for the mining and mineral sector.

In his welcome address, Dr. Y.G. Kale, Chief Controller of Mines (MDR), IBM, emphasised that AI-enabled tools had become integral to modern governance and that their adoption was essential for the mining sector, given its importance to infrastructure, energy transition and national security. He said responsible integration of AI could enhance transparency and efficiency, facilitate automated scrutiny and compliance, and promote optimal utilisation of mineral resources.

Shri D.B. Sundara Raman, National President, MEAI, lauded IBM’s efforts towards transparent and efficient mining regulation. He stressed the need to convert MTS data into real-time applications and predictive models linking spatial and temporal information, enabling improved inspection scheduling and risk-based regulation.

Shri R.D. Borole, Technical Director, NIC, Nagpur, expressed NIC’s readiness to collaborate with IBM in advancing MTS towards MTS 2.0, combining IBM’s domain expertise with NIC’s technical capabilities.

During the technical sessions, Shri Puspender Gaur, Controller of Mines (MTS), IBM, presented the roadmap for AI/ML-enabled Intelligent Mining Governance. Presentations were also made on upgrades to MTS Data and GIS modules, along with enhanced Returns, Star Rating and other system features.

An interactive session involving industry representatives, MEAI members, academicians and students deliberated on AI-enabled mining governance and the future development of MTS.

The workshop concluded with a valedictory session presided over by Dr. Y.G. Kale. Shri Narasiah, Secretary General, MEAI, Shri G. Ram, DCOM, IBM and Secretary, MEAI Nagpur Chapter, and other participants were present. Shri Ashish Mishra, DCOM, IBM, proposed the vote of thanks.

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Saurabh Khekde/Parshuram Kor

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