GSI report indicates about 5.88 million tonnes of bauxite reserves in Meghalaya, India

According to an official of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the remote region of North-east India has mineral reserves worth more than INR 10 lakh crore. However, these mineral reserves which are found in the land-locked region have not been explored. According to Tapan Pal, Director, PSS, GSI, North Eastern Region, if these minerals are explored, they will help the region flourish economically.

Mulkh Raj Jarngal, Additional Director General (ADG) and Head of Department, North Eastern Region informed that the three states of Meghalaya, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh have an estimated coal reserve of 1642.64 million tonnes.

“In Garo Hills we have estimated coal reserves of about 576.48 million tonnes. But in Khasi Hills we have not been able to carry out exploration due to geological and local issues,” Jarngal said.

He informed that Meghalaya has an estimated bauxite reserve of 5.88 million tonnes.

“In lateritic bauxite, the significant values of Gallium and Scandium were also found. GSI also reported a reserve of 98,088 tonnes of titaniferrous bauxite from Sung Valley of Meghalaya,” Jarngal added.

The Additional Director General also informed the discovery of an estimated 38,000 tonnes of sillimanite reserve in Niangbrakgithim area near Mansang in West Khasi Hills and East Garo Hills.

The GSI said they are waiting for the approval from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council to start exploration for Bauxite in Nongstoin area (West Khasi Hills). 

GSI also reported the discovery of an estimated 10108.6 million tonne of limestone resources in Meghalaya and the southern part of Assam.

GSI urged the Mawmluh cave be declared as a “Geo Heritage Site”. It is noteworthy that geologists have classified the last 4,200 years as being a distinct Earth age and are calling it a new chapter – the “Meghalayan Age”. Meghalaya made it into the geologic time scale thanks to a stalagmite found in the Mawmluh Cave, located at an elevation of 1,290 metres. It was  considered as a significant proof for the latest distinction.

According to the GSI the mineral sector drives the GDP growth of the country and also acts as a catalyst for the growth of other industries like power, steel, aluminium, cement, which are crucial for the overall development of the economy.