Problems and Concerns

While Carrying Out Various Functions of IBM

and

Remedial Measures
for Improvement Thereof

Existing Process
World Mineral Intelligence unit prepares two Data Bases

World Mineral Production Data

Data Acquired From World Mineral Production,

BGS (British Geological Survey) Annual Publication

World Mineral Reserves Data

Data Acquired From Mineral Commodity Summaries,

USGS (United State Geological Survey) Annual Publication

Problems/ Concerns in the existing process/

procedures

Acquisition of the data is fully dependent on foreign publications

like World Mineral Production, BGS and Mineral Commodity
Summaries, USGS.
The data entry procedure in TMIS database is time consuming.
The data retrieval is difficult as it is accessed only through query
based format by a developer in TMIS Data Bases.
The software of database is in oracle software which is not
available outside TMIS data base.
Retrieval of Data in the prescribed format of IMYB is not user
friendly.
Shortage of manpower for data entry, processing and
authentication.
3

Proposed Remedial measures/ Way forward

User friendly software is required for maintaining, updating and

dissemination of the data.
To setup a network link with international organisations like
USGS, BGS, Australian Mineral Yearbook, Canadian Mineral
Yearbook etc.
IBM may have the access to the data concurrent to up dation in
their websites.
Training may be imparted to the officials of M.E. Division at
International Organisations like USGS, BGS etc. on the
mechanism of data collection, updation and maintaining large
data bases.

Action points for improvement in the system

Procurement of data through deputing officials at Indian High

Commissions/ Embassies in various mineral producing countries
as Mineral Attach.
Liaisoning & Linking with the International Organisations and
Publications
Expansion of existing data bank.
Installation of latest & user friendly software (ex.-SAP) for data
management and data dissemination.
Training may be imparted on latest software for operating and
maintaining the software.
Deployment of additional manpower in WMI unit.

Time Limits

Time limit depends on approval of recommendations , budget

and deployment of required manpower.

Nodal person accountable for Implementation

A person acquainted with software development, database

management and requirement of Mineral Economics Division.