India hogs the limelight in the global mining sector with back-to-back discoveries of natural resources like bauxite. After Meghalaya, it is now Kerala, a southern part of India, where the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found the richest aluminium ore deposit, particularly in Karadukka in Kasaragod district, across about 150 hectares.
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According to a GSI survey, about 0.21 million tonnes of high-grade bauxite and 5.14 million tonnes of aluminous laterite are present beneath the surface of the region, meaning the area has significant potential to become a central hub for bauxite and alumina production, thanks to the aluminous laterite, which contains both iron and aluminium oxides. GSI also finds the available bauxite resources contain 40 to 45 per cent bauxite content – much higher than the usual 8 to 35 per cent found in mining zones across other states.
Out of 150 hectares of deposits, up to 100 hectares are suitable for phased mining, said M.C. Kishore, assistant director of the State Mining and Geology department, generating expected earnings of up to INR 5,000 crore for the government. However, this can be further confirmed after the release of the detailed survey report.
GSI officials have also clarified that excavation over the deposits will be restricted to a depth of five metres, ensuring minimum environmental impact. In addition, private land within the reserve forest will be excluded from the mining operation unless consent is obtained from landowners.
In the interest of public concerns, authorities have assured to conduct awareness sessions prior to the commencement of mining. GSI has promised no disruption to daily or essential services in the areas adjacent to the mining site, which have around 40 residences.
GSI has also assured to fill back the land post extraction, and the government has outlined a plan to repurpose the sites for agriculture, industrial use and even residential development.
Even earlier, a bauxite deposit was found in Kadaladipara in Kasaragod across 200 hectares; but the mining plan did not come into effect proposed by Ashapura Mining due to mass protests by the local people in the year 2017.
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