Hanumantha Rao has over 34 years of experience as Exploration Geologist in India and abroad. He started his career as exploration Geologist in GSI and later with NMDC, as chief Geologist with Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Tata Steel, Ivory Coast, and later as CEO of Mineral Exploration Research and Innovation Trust (MERIT), Govt of Andhra Pradesh, India. His expertise is in exploration for Iron ore, gold, precious metals ,base metals, platinum group of elements, lignite, limestone and diamonds in varied geological milieus . In Africa, he has led exploration teams for Taconite deposit in Cote D’Ivoire, West Africa, Gold exploration in Tanzania, East Africa, Exploration for platinum, gold, lithium, gem stones in Somaliland. He has been certified as Qualified Person (QP) for Mine plans by Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India.