SHILLONG, APR 3: In what is being termed as a significant discovery, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has discovered
high quality deposit of Bauxite in West Khasi hills district of Meghalaya. Bauxite is an important ore used for making Aluminum and India is importing this mineral from abroad to meet the country’s huge demand.
Informed sources said that this mineral was found in abundance in Maupatshiyar Lawdingbah and Mawkhei villages under Rambrai area. It is said that the deposit is around 10 million tons.
The source said this mineral, if properly harnessed, has the potential of changing the economically backward district into a new economic hub of the state.
Aluminum is using for making utensils, electricity wires, chips, diod and other electronic items.
The GSI initiated exploration works in and around Ramrai area and about 3 sq kms was mapped. The exploration paid off as significant economic mineralization was proved through detailed geological mapping samplings and drilling.
The total thickness of Bauxite profile is around to 8 to 10 meters below surface. The average grade of almunia is 50 percent which is termed as high grade as the industry require 38 percent and above of almunia for making Aluminum.
Bauxite is found in large quantity in Odisa with around 100 million tons deposit followed by Gujarat, J&K minor deposit in Kerala. West Khasi hills is the first place in the entire north eastern region where huge deposit of Bauxite is reported.
Sources informed that the discovery of this important mineral in West Khasi hills suggest the deposit of Bauxite can also be found in other parts of Meghalaya because of the similar rock formation.
However the GSI team carrying the exploration work in Maupatshiyar area met with some resistance from some landowners who refused to allow drilling in their land. The issue was referred to the West Khasi hills deputy commissioner S Kharlyngdoh who meeting but the landowners did not turned up.
Kharlyngdoh informed this website that the meeting was called two weeks ago as five landowners refused to allow the GSI team to carry exploration work in their land. He said, “However none of the landowners turned up for the meeting.”
Kharlyngdoh however said that in other places the GSI team exploration work is going in smoothly as they have not complaint of any resistance by the landowners.
The resistance of the landowners seems to stem from the fear that allowing exploration and mining of Bauxite mineral would expose them to radiation. However, sources said that Bauxite is an industrial mineral unlike Uranium which is an atomic mineral and, therefore, free from any harmful elements. And if mined scientifically it will not harm environment.
Sources also informed that once the presence of the Bauxite mineral is proved, the prices of lands where the mineral is found will automatically skyrocket and the people of the area will stand to benefit. – By Our Reporter
+ There are no comments
Add yours