The Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur (IIT-Kharagpur) inaugurated the Vikram Sodhi Centre of Excellence for AI-Enabled Geologic and Mining Systems, designed to integrate advanced technologies into India’s mining sector. The project is supported by philanthropic funding provided by Indian origin investor Vikram Sodhi, Managing Partner of Sun Valley Investments and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mineros SA.
The Centre of Excellence will specialize in applying artificial intelligence to improve how mining companies capture, analyze, and utilize data from operations and the environment.
The ESG analytics program is one of its fundamental pillars, developing continuous monitoring systems for:
- Water quality and dust suppression.
- Slope stability and safety in tailings facilities.
- Impact on biodiversity and carbon intensity per ton processed.
Mr. Vikram Sodhi remarked, “This Centre is envisioned as an enduring institution built on the strength of its research and intellectual contributions. Its purpose is to create lasting value through rigorous, application-oriented work that advances the mining sector, independent of individual associations.”
The center drives a critical transformation in the industry: the transition from periodic compliance-based reporting to a real-time environmental intelligence infrastructure. Unlike traditional scheduled assessments, which limit visibility into environmental changes, this model allows for continuous data analysis that strengthens operational transparency and regulatory oversight. This evolution is key to aligning mining companies with global ESG expectations. To ensure its success, the program integrates “Living Laboratories,” where mining companies will provide the use of real operational data, ensuring that AI models are fully applicable and transferable to real-world geological and regulatory complexities.
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