The Geological Survey of India (GSI) will carry out geoscientific surveys to evaluate potential resources of minerals, including rare earth elements (REE), scandium, vanadium, nickel and tungsten, in several parts of the State, including Chikkamagaluru and Hassan districts.

A communication issued by the Chikkamagaluru district administration on Wednesday, stated that the GSI, working under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, sought cooperation of various departments in the district for its field season programme, which began in April 2026 and will continue till March 2027. The office of the Deputy Commissioner has instructed the Zilla Panchayat CEO, Superintendent of Police, Chief Conservator of Forests, and heads of other departments to extend the necessary cooperation to the GSI in executing its operations.

During the field work, the GSI officers will camp for at least eight months in project areas. “Some of these areas may be sensitive, remote, prone to local disturbances and in certain conditions, permission from the forest and other government departments may be required,” said the GSI’s letter, addressed to the State government.

The GSI sought from the State administration to “facilitate the smooth execution of the field programme approved by the Government of India for the benefit of regional and national development”.