The research wing of GMDC Science & Research Centre (GSRC) is at the forefront of pioneering research in mining, minerals, metals, and critical elements, including Rare Earth Elements (REEs). With a focus on innovation and sustainable practices, the research wing is dedicated to addressing key challenges in the mining industry, such as improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing resource utilization. Researchers at GSRC collaborate with Mining experts, academia, and government agencies to develop cutting-edge solutions that drive the Mining industry forward.

Through its internship, training, and dissertation programs, the research wing provides a platform for students to engage in hands-on research, fostering a new generation of skilled professionals in the field. By leveraging its state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary approach, the research wing of GSRC is committed to advancing knowledge and technology in the mining and metals sector, contributing to the sustainable development of the industry and the nation.

GSRC has at present following ongoing research projects:

Development of Coal and Lignite additives to improve their combustions, efficiency, calorific value, and Reduction in pollution levels.

Coal and Lignite are important fossil fuel, used for electric power generation, besides use in the boiler of industries. They are the most demanded energy sources and their consumption has been increasing. However, there is a need to improve coal combustion performance to enhance the efficiency of the furnace and boiler. Addition of additives to both the fuels is an option and has led to focus by researchers for developing an additive. Such additives can effectively improve the combustion performance of coal and lignite. A study on the subject would contribute to providing information about the impact of additives on combustion properties, calorific value and a hybrid technology that may use additives to modify the coal/lignite surface. Thus, the objective of this study is to relate the effect of additives on utilization and combustion performances of both the fuels. Improved efficiency and reduced emissions from of coal/lignite power stations may lead to development of present and future efficient coal/lignite combustion technologies. Upgrading coal, reducing emission of NOx, SOx and particulate matter, and corrosion are some of the factors in the development of efficient coal technologies.

The process may be developed through bench, pilot and full scale. It would be tested at lab scale and in actual operation.

Identifying Indicator minerals and Pathfinder elements in mineral exploration.

The traditional approach in carrying out mineral exploration studies included collection of samples including from drill cores and analyzing them in the laboratory to generate data. This used to be costly, time consuming, and labourious for mine areas with difficult terrain. With the advent of latest technologies; especially field portable analytical instruments viz. portable visible and near-infrared spectrophotometers, gamma-ray spectrometer, LED fluorimeter, pXRF, pXRD, pLIBS, and µRaman spectrometer; their on-site use has increased in mineral exploration. Furthermore, use of these instruments on site do help in quick, real-time, non-destructive, and cost-effective identification, and determination of indicator minerals and pathfinder elements in rock and its ore, in soil sediment, and in water samples. Such portable analytical instruments determine accurate chemical and mineralogical data during the field visits with virtually no or minimum laboratory analysis, thus bypassing the need for sample collection. The information so obtained helps in decision making in carrying out field work as also during drilling operations in mineral exploration. In our research use of such portable devices would be made in carrying out exploration studies for Gold (Au), Silver (Ag), Rubidium (Rb), Hafnium (Hf), Zirconium (Zr), and a group of 17 Rare Earth Elements (REE) in Ambaji mines.

Development of Laboratory leading to Identification and Analysis of Critical Metals including REEs.

Establishing a specialized laboratory for the identification and analysis of critical elements, with a particular focus on Rare Earth Elements (REEs), is a strategic investment in sustainable technological advancement. By providing precise analysis, ensuring quality assurance, fostering innovation, and offering valuable market insights, such a laboratory can play a pivotal role in driving the development and adoption of sustainable technologies essential for a greener and more efficient future. Keeping the view in mind we have planned to establishing a laboratory with the below mentioned objectives:

  • Characterization and Analysis of mineral and metal samples.
  • Innovative Separation Techniques
  • Through systematic experimentation and analysis, the laboratory can optimize existing separation processes which is essential for reducing production cost and environmental issues associated with REE extraction and separation.

Establishment of Snake Park at Kadipani, Gujarat.

It is proposed to establish a Snake Park at Kadipani in Kawant Taluka in Chhota Udepur District in Gujarat (India). The park is envisaged to be run as a means of education of the public on snakes, while ensuring conservation of large number of snakes found in the region. The Snake Park would be located on GMDC land admeasuring around 2 acres of land on the located in a NE corner. The place is approximately 13 away from Kavant and around 240 km from Ahmedabad. It is well served by the public transport system. It is proposed to set up the Park under the supervision and guidance of Project Manager at Kadipani assisted by the suitable staff to be mentioned in the detailed Conceptualization plan.

Proposed Mission Statement:

“To mitigate fear and hatred towards snakes and to provide congenial environment leading to love and compassion towards them as also to provide for their rescue and conservation by providing a forum through holistic approach”

Proposed objectives of the Snake Park:
  1. To promote conservation of various species of snake found at Kadipani and in adjacent area;
  2. To maintain and display a captive collection of select snakes as a means to elicit public interest so as to promote empathy for them;
  3. To promote, aid and assist basic research on snakes and other reptiles including conduct of surveys to assess their status and distribution in the area;
  4. To disseminate knowledge among people on snakes, while dispelling widespread erroneous beliefs about them;
  5. To conduct mass awareness programmes for students, teachers, professionals and general public;
  6. To bring out publications and research papers on scientific, technical and social aspect of the subject; and
  7. To elicit support for the protection and conservation of snakes and other reptiles.