Dr. Riya obtained M.Sc. degree in Applied Geology from University of Calcutta in 2011. Her dissertation focused on the petrogenetic evolution of the ultramafic-mafic alkaline Mawpyut complex of the Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya. She worked as a Geologist at Inspectorate Griffith India Pvt. Ltd., Bureau Veritas Group for one year and she was involved in laboratory analysis services. Subsequently, she joined Ramgad Minerals and Mining Ltd., Baldota Group for three years as a Geologist in various REE and RM exploration projects along the Purulia and Singhbhum Shear Zones, Kamthai Carbonatite, Siwana Ring Complex, and Niwania Carbonatite.

She worked as Principal Investigator for three years in an R&D project from DST under the Women Scientist Scheme- A. She completed her Ph.D. entitled “Crustal Evolutionary Studies of the Mesoproterozoic Litho-assemblages of South Delhi Terrane from Sirohi District, Rajasthan” in 2022. She was awarded a PDF from DoS in 2023 for a period of one and a half years, during which she pursued research work involving laboratory analysis of terrestrial analogue and meteorite samples. Her software skills include image interpretation, spectral analysis, geochemical data interpretation, thermodynamic modelling, and programming-based geological data interpretation. She had contributed several research articles to various geological journals and presented her work at several national & international conferences.

She joined GMRICS in July 2025 as Technical Secretary and is engaged in technical and administrative support to achieve GMRICS’s objectives.

Uma Patel completed her Master’s degree (2024 – Gold Medal) in Geology from M.G. Science Institute, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad. Her dissertation focused on the stratigraphy and sedimentology of Jurassic rocks in the Samatra-Vadasar area, southwest of Bhuj, Kachchh. Her area of interest covers sedimentary geology, geological mapping, mineral exploration and AutoCAD. Uma joined GMRICS in August 2024 and currently engaged in Mineral Exploration activities at Copper Project Ambaji. She has interest in field-based geological studies and is passionate about continuous learning and professional growth.

Dhwanil Bhaveshkumar Patel obtained his M.Sc. degree in Geology from M.G. Science Institute, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad in 2024. His specialisations include geological mapping and mineral exploration. In his summer training, he obtained hands-on experience in reflectance spectroscopy of clay minerals at PRL, Ahmedabad.

He joined GMRICS in August 2024 as Geologist and he is presently engaged at Fluorspar Project Kadipani, Ambadungar.

Krupa Chauhan obtained her Master’s degree (2024) fin Geology rom KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj. Her dissertation focuses on the geological aspects of Mars. She has participated in several geological expeditions, including a field workshop on Kachchh Basin by ONGC (December 2024) and training on Luminescence Dating and Its Applications at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad. She served as a visiting faculty at KSKV Kachchh University for three months and joined GMRICS in October 2024. She was posted in Bauxite Project for three months to add the value in bauxite and bentonite minerals occurring in mines of GMDC. Currently, she is engaged in mineral exploration at Copper Project Ambaji, where she is attending structural mapping, core logging and establishment of onsite mineralogical laboratory.

Jadeja Jaydeepsinh Gulabsinh obtained his Master’s degree in Geology (2021) from KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj. He has extensive experience in geophysical surveys and geotechnical investigations as he has worked with two leading geotechnical firms, viz. Simcon Technology for about three years and Geo-Design and Research Private Ltd for one and half year. His domain expertise includes subsurface investigations, geological mapping and site analysis. He is currently working at Calcined Bauxite Project, Gadhshisha since his joining GMRICS in January 2025. He is engaged in exploration of bauxite, bentonite and other clay horizons in Kachchh district.

Anoushka with an INSPIRE SHE Scholarship completed her MSc in Geology from MLSU, Udaipur (2022 – Gold Medal). She started her career at Dariba Smelter Complex of Vedanta near Udaipur for a period of eighteen months in control room operations of Zinc Roaster and Acid Plant. Subsequently she worked in Udaipur Min-Tech Pvt. Ltd. and contributed to preparation of Mining Plan. She joined GMRICS in January 2025. Anoushka combines a strong academic foundation with practical field experience and expertise in tools such as AutoCAD, QGIS, and Global Mapper. She is committed to achieving results and advancing geological knowledge. Her current activities focus on geological mapping, generating exploration targets, and conducting subsurface exploration in brownfield areas of Copper Project Ambaji.

Ashwini completed his Master’s degree in Geology from MLSU, Udaipur (2024). He gained hands-on training on XRD, XRF and Raman Spectroscopy during his internship at Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology on geochemical characterization of coal beds of Jammu. His area of interest includes Precambrian Geology, exploration and petrology. He joined GMRICS in January 2025, and is currently engaged in geological mapping, delineating large scale features by structural mapping, mineral exploration and core logging at Copper Project, Ambaji.

Anjali Meshram obtained her Master’s degree (2024) in Applied Geology from R.T.M. Nagpur University, Nagpur. Her expertise includes geological surveys, mineral resource evaluation, GIS applications, and technical reporting. She gained experience for four months at the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) on preparation of mineral inventories, data analysis and market reviews. She joined GMRICS in March 2025, where she is working in geological mapping, mineral exploration, and resource assessment at Copper Project Ambaji.

Dhairya Manish Malde obtained his M. Sc. Degree in Geology from the Maharaja Sayajirao University, Baroda in 2024. He briefly worked with Geovale Services Pvt.Ltd for four months, and was engaged in geological survey, Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and SP surveys, pitting and channel sampling, geochemical sampling and heavy mineral separation in different parts of Gujarat.

He joined GMRICS in April 2025, and currently engaged at Fluorspar Project Kadipani, Ambadungar.

Falguni Thakor completed her Master’s degree in Geology (2025) from M.G. Science Institute, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad. Her dissertation was titled “Evolving Digital Elevation Models Based on Morphometric Parameters: A Study in Southwestern Saurashtra.” During her academic tenure, she completed an internship at the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR), Gandhinagar, where she received hands-on training in advanced analytical techniques such as Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) and Carbon-Hydrogen-Nitrogen-Sulfur (CHNS) analysis.

She joined GMRICS in July 2025 as a Geologist and is currently engaged in mineral exploration activities at the Copper Project, Ambaji. She is involved in field-based geological studies, core logging, and structural studies.

Diwani Dipak has obtained a Master’s degree in Geology (2020) from Kutch University, Bhuj. He has worked at Unique Engineering Services and at Simcon Technology Pvt. Ltd. for total four years, gaining hands-on expertise in subsurface investigation, geological mapping, and site analysis.

He joined GMRICS as a Geologist in August 2025 and was posted to the Bauxite Project – Gadhsisa. He is currently engaged in the exploration of bauxite, limestone, bentonite and other critical minerals in the Kutch region.

Jadeja Parikshitsinh completed his Master’s degree in Geology (2023) from Kutch University, Bhuj. He has experience as a quality check executive at GIMPEX IMERYS Pvt. Ltd. for one year and as a Junior Geologist at GWRDC for one year, focusing on groundwater exploration and management.

He joined GMRICS as a Geologist in August 2025 and was posted to the Bauxite Project – Gadhsisa. He is currently engaged in the exploration of bauxite, limestone, bentonite, and other critical minerals in the Kutch region.

Kartik Solanki holds a Master’s degree in Geology (2025) from Kachchh University, Bhuj. He did his dissertation on “Identification of Indicator Minerals and Pathfinder Elements in Mineral Exploration: A case study of GMDC Ambaji mines” at GMDC Science and Research Centre, Ahmedabad.

He worked as a Junior Geologist in NABCONS (NABARD Consultancy Services) under the Atal Bhujal Yojana for pre-monsoon activities to construct recharge tubewells by the Panchayat Irrigation Division, Mehsana District, Gujarat.

He joined GMRICS in September 2025 as a Geologist and is currently engaged in mineral exploration activities at the Copper Project, Ambaji. He is involved in geological mapping, core logging and structural studies.

Aditi Mishra completed her Master’s degree in Geology from MLSU, Udaipur in 2025. She gained hands on training in Fluid Inclusion, Rock Mechanics & Micropaleontology during Protolith’ 2023 at IIT Bombay, in Q-GIS during Mrittika’24 – National Conference on Earth Sciences at Pondicherry University.

She has joined GMRICS in October 2025 as a Geologist, and is engaged in mineral exploration and core logging at Copper Project, Ambaji, Gujarat.

Sakshi Jadon completed her Master’s degree in Geology from Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur (2025). She worked as a summer intern at Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun and her internship was focused on Mineral inclusion study and distribution pattern in High-grade metamorphic rock. She gained hands-on training on Raman Spectroscopy.

She joined GMRICS in October 2025 as Geologist and currently engaged in mineral exploration at Copper Project Ambaji.

Prabhat Singh Deora completed his M.Sc. Tech Geology from MLSU, Udaipur in 2024. He has done his dissertation in Nana Bera Village of Pali, Rajasthan that involved Structural and Lithology mapping. He worked at S.K Khetan infra project Pvt Ltd in the Zawar mines, Udaipur where he was involved in core logging, borehole planning and related activities. He is conversant with AutoCAD and Data Mine software.

He joined GMRICS in October, 2025 as Geologist and he is involved in exploration activities at the Copper Project, Ambaji, Gujarat.

Yash Mandal obtained M. Sc. Degree in Geology from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in 2025. He has experience of working as a Mudlogger with Geolog International for 3 months.

He completed a summer training program on geological and geophysical data interpretation of hydrocarbons exploration at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC), Vadodara, from May to July 2024.

Yash Mandal joined GMRICS in October 2025, and is currently engaged in the Fluorspar Project, Kadipani.

Keya Patel completed her M.Sc. in Geology from The Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) of Baroda, Vadodara in 2025. She has done her dissertation in lithofacies analysis and depositional environment of Mesozoic sedimentary succession of the Guneri Dome, from Kachchh. She completed a summer training on geological and geophysical data interpretation for hydrocarbon exploration at Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd., Western Onshore Basin, Vadodara.

She joined GMRICS in November 2025 and is presently engaged in the Kadipani Fluorspar Project at Ambadungar Mines.

Jaydeep S. Kalotra completed his M.Sc. in Geology from M.G. Science Institute, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad in 2026. He completed his 4-month internship at the Copper Project, Ambaji under GMDC & GMRICS, where he gained hands-on experience in geological mapping, surveying, core logging, sampling, mineral identification and geological data collection.

He joined GMRICS in August 2026 as a Geologist at the Bauxite Project, Mevasa, where he is engaged in geological field studies and mineral exploration activities.

Soumya Shree Priyadarshini completed her M.Tech in Applied Geology from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Raipur in 2026. During her internship at ONGC, she obtained hands-on experience in structural geology, stratigraphic analysis and subsurface mapping. She worked on exploration workflows and reservoir studies in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin, as well as core logging and mineral exploration at Joda East Iron Mines.

She joined GMRICS in August 2026 as Geologist and she is presently engaged in Baitarani West Coal Project, Angul dist., Odisha.

Isha Gangwar completed her Master of Technology in Applied Geology from NIT Raipur in 2025 and she is a Gold Medallist in both her B.Sc. (Hons.) and M.Tech Geology programs. Her M.Tech dissertation involved geological mapping and heavy mineral studies focused on REE mineralization in Jashpur District, Chhattisgarh, under the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), Central Region, Nagpur. She completed a DST-SERB internship on Kharun River–groundwater interactions at NIT Raipur and received training in scientific paper and report writing at the Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training and Research Institute, Raipur.

She joined GMRICS on August 2026 as Geologist and she is presently engaged at Fluorspar Project Kadipani, Ambadungar.

Laxman Kumar Sharma completed his M. Tech in Applied Geology from NIT Raipur in 2025. His M. Tech dissertation involved detailed geological mapping and radiometric survey around Pandaripani area, GPM District, Chhattisgarh, under the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD). He also completed a DST-SERB internship at NIT Raipur focused on assessing seasonal hydrological interaction between the Kharun River and groundwater. Professionally, he has worked as a Geologist with BGR Mining and Infra Limited, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, where he was involved in coal quality monitoring and assessment, QA/QC of coal, sample collection and preparation, land acquisition, and rehabilitation activities.

He joined GMRICS in August 2026 as Geologist and he is engaged at Bauxite project, Gadhsisa in the Kachchh region.

Daksha Vyas completed her M.Sc. Tech in Applied Geology from R.T.M Nagpur University, Nagpur in 2026. Her dissertation involved Granulometric Study of Quaternary Sediments along middle – lower Reaches of the Kanhan River, Nagpur. She contributed to a book chapter titled “Why Are You Stressed? – A Neglected Question for the Mining Community: Discussion on the Mental Health Issues in the Mining Sector” for the Springer Nature publication “Mines and Metals: A Geohealth Perspective” (currently in production).

She joined GMRICS in August 2026 as a Geologist and is presently posted at Ahmedabad office for technical support.

Dileep Abdul Kalam T completed his M.Sc. in Applied Geology from Pondicherry Central University, Puducherry in 2018. His master’s dissertation focused on the characterization of organic matter, mineralogy, and geochemistry of black shales of the Tal Group in the Outer Lesser Himalaya. He subsequently worked as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) under a DST-SERB-funded research project for three years, where he was involved in field-based sample collection, laboratory analyses, data interpretation, and publication of research articles. He was engaged at CSIR-CIMFR as a Project Assistant. His work primarily focused on rock mass characterization, Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) geophysical investigations and blast-induced ground vibration analysis.

He joined GMRICS in September 2026 as a Geologist, and he is engaged in petrographic studies, geological and structural mapping, mineral exploration, and core logging at the Copper Project, Ambaji.

Pradyot Shivaji Ghatol completed his M.Sc. in Geology from R.T.M Nagpur University in 2024. His dissertation was in Micro-Palaeontology involving age determination and implications of palynoflora of Umarsar lignite mine. He obtained hands on experience in coal core logging, geological mapping and other exploration activities related to coal and iron ore during his tenure at Kartikay Exploration And Mining Services Private Limited (KEMSPL), Nagpur as Exploration Geologist.

He joined GMRICS in September 2026 and he is involved in exploration activities at Gadhsisa Bauxite project, Kachchh region.

Mr. Kiran Kumar completed his M.Sc in Applied Geology from IIT Roorkee in 2026. His dissertation involved ore mineral characterization, geochemical studies, sulphur isotope analysis and investigation of hydrothermal mineralization processes of Lawa copper-gold deposit, North Singhbhum Mobile Belt, Eastern India. In his summer internship at the Mantle Petrology Laboratory, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, he obtained hands-on experience in optical microscopy, SEM, and EPMA. He also completed a winter internship at ONGC, Dehradun, focusing on gas hydrates and hydrocarbon-related geological studies.

He joined GMDC in June 2026 and is currently posted at GMRICS on deputation at Petrography Lab at the on-site Laboratory, Copper Project, Ambaji and he is involved in ore petrographic and mineralogical studies.

Rajat Kumar completed his M.Sc.Tech in Applied Geology from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in 2026. His dissertation involved petrographic and geochemical analyses to infer hydrothermal alteration of Molybdenum-bearing granitic rocks of Sarapalli Region, Chhattisgarh. He completed his summer internship programme from Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), Noida (June 2025) and MOIL Limited, Balaghat, MP (May–June 2024)

He joined GMDC in July 2026 and is currently posted at GMRICS on deputation and is involved in exploration activity at Fluorspar Project at Kadipani, Ambadungar.

Riya Singh completed her M.Sc. in Geology (2026) from the Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar. She has developed a strong academic and technical foundation in geological sciences, complemented by research experience, geological fieldwork, and proficiency in geological and data-analysis tools.

During her research internship as an INSA-SRF Intern at IISER Pune, she worked on subsidence analysis and paleo-bathymetric reconstruction of the Central Gulf of Corinth. Her M.Sc. dissertation focused on the Study of the Effect of Shearing on Pre-Existing Folds in the Granulite Rocks of Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt near Jatani Region of Khordha District, Odisha and involved detailed geological field investigations to study different stages of deformation and analyse the imprint and modification of shearing on pre-existing folds.

She joined GMDC in July 2026 and is currently posted at GMRICS on deputation and she is currently working as Geologist at Odisha Coal Project.