Nagpur Today : The Directorate of Geology and Mining has reported the discovery of Kyanite-Sillimanite mineral deposits in Nagpur district. Additionally, significant limestone and bauxite deposits have been found in Nagpur city, Chandrapur, Yavatmal, and Sindhudurg districts. The Directorate of Atomic Minerals is also advancing a prospecting scheme for uranium minerals in the Bijli Rhyolite strata along the Gondia-Chhattisgarh border.
The 60th meeting of the State Geological Program Board, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (Mining) Iqbal Singh Chahal, reviewed the Directorate’s accomplishments for the 2023-24 year and discussed plans for mineral surveys in 2024-25. Notable attendees included Anjali Nagarkar, Director of the Directorate of Geology and Mines, Navjit Singh Nayyar from the Geological Survey of India, and Pradeep Kulkarni of MECL, among others.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has prioritized surveys for copper, bauxite, and rare earth elements. During the meeting, Manthanwar, Director of the Directorate of Atomic Minerals, outlined a prospecting plan for uranium in the Bijli Rhyolite area.
Current prospecting activities are underway by Moil in Chikhli, Dongri Bazar, Kandri, and Beldongari, Satak in Bhandara and Nagpur districts. Additionally, the Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminum Research Development and Design Centre is examining bauxite deposits and preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Geology and Mines to include these in mineral auctions.
The Maharashtra State Remote Sensing Application Center (MRSAC) has completed a satellite survey of Vekoli mines and analyzed satellite maps for agricultural purposes. Western Coalfield plans to increase its mining operations significantly this year. The meeting also saw the participation of various senior officials and experts from relevant organizations.
