Kerala's mining sector gets a tech boost: Drone survey launched to prevent illegal mining activities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala's Mining and Geology Department has made a historically significant move in the mining sector. Under the department's supervision, drone surveys have been initiated in the state to conduct mining activities in accordance with laws and to ensure that unauthorized mining does not occur. Industries, Law and Labour Minister P Rajeev inaugurated the Kerala Mineral Drone LiDAR Survey Project and Drone LiDAR Survey Portal at a function held at Delta Quarry in Perumkadavila, Thiruvananthapuram.

Minister Rajeev said that the activities of the Mining and Geology Department were becoming transparent and systematic through the development of technical knowledge. Through the Drone Survey Project, the activities in the mining sector will become more transparent, and unnecessary complaints can be avoided, he said.

"Lawful mining operations are essential for the state. Modernization will continue in the mining sector in accordance with the development of technology," the minister added.

The Drone LiDAR Survey Project is being implemented with the help of Keltron. The drone survey will accurately measure the quantity of minerals that can be mined legally in areas applying for mining permits and will also detect and measure the quantity of minerals being mined illegally. The drone survey is being conducted as part of the modernization of the Mining and Geology Department.