Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration of Iran GSI

Overview

The Geological Survey and Mineral Exploration of Iran (GSI; Persian: سازمان زمین‌شناسی و اکتشافات معدنی کشور) is a government agency under the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is responsible for conducting geological and mineral surveys throughout the country, preparing and publishing geological maps of Iran, and coordinating geological research and mineral exploration activities.

History and Founding

The legal basis for GSI was established when the National Consultative Assembly and Senate of Iran approved the founding law on 20 August 1959. The organisation officially began operations in 1962, founded by Nasrollah Khadem, a graduate of mining engineering at Mines ParisTech, who served as its director until 1974. GSI was established in cooperation with the United Nations. In 1999, all mineral exploration obligations previously handled by the Ministry of Industries and Mines were transferred entirely to GSI.

Collections and Mandate

GSI's mandate encompasses geological mapping of Iran, identification of mineral potentials, seismic hazard research, coastal engineering, and marine geology. It maintains extensive archives of geological maps at various scales (1:100,000 to 1:2,500,000), geochemical and geophysical data, mineral occurrence records, borehole data, and scientific reports. The National Geoscience Database of Iran (NGDIR), established at GSI in 1999, serves as the central repository for the country's geoscience data. GSI also participates in international geological programmes and has signed cooperation agreements with institutions in Germany, Russia, and other countries. Its holdings are accessible online through the portal at gsi.ir.

Access and Usage

GSI provides access to geological maps, reports, and databases through its website. It publishes geological maps and scientific reports available to researchers, academic institutions, and the mining industry. The organisation participates in international bodies including the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).