IIT Bhubaneswar team develops satellite-based method to locate bauxite deposits

A research team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)Bhubaneswar has developed a satellite-based technique to identify potential bauxite deposits, marking a significant advance in mineral exploration in Odisha.

The project was led by Assistant Professor Ashim Sattar and focused on identifying bauxite prospects across parts of Koraput and Rayagada districts. Using advanced hyperspectral satellite remote sensing, the team mapped zones with a high likelihood of bauxite occurrence, offering a cost-effective approach to early-stage mineral exploration.

Integrated Scientific Approach

The study adopted an integrated methodology, combining satellite-derived datasets with extensive field investigations. These were supported by geochemical testing, petrographic analysis, and laboratory-based spectral measurements to validate the remote sensing results. This multi-layered approach provides a robust first-level framework for locating prospective bauxite-bearing areas, as reported by TOI.

The findings of the research have been published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Geochemical Exploration, underscoring its scientific significance.

Strategic Importance Of Bauxite

Bauxite, the principal ore used in aluminium production, is considered a strategically important mineral due to its widespread industrial applications, including aerospace, construction and packaging. With global aluminium demand expected to outpace supply by 2030, as projected by Credit Suisse, securing reliable domestic sources has emerged as a key priority for India.

Recognition At State Conference

In recognition of their work, the IIT Bhubaneswar team was honoured by the Odisha government at the Odisha Mining and Infrastructure International Conference held on Monday in Bhubaneswar. The researchers also received an award at the fourth edition of the conference in 2026 for developing the satellite-enabled exploration technology.

The researchers believe the technique can significantly reduce the cost and time involved in preliminary mineral exploration, while improving the accuracy of identifying viable bauxite zones.