Around mid-week, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) revealed their recent finding of the moderate-quality bauxite resources in the Rymrai area of West Khasi Hills. Alongside the resources, GSI also conveyed their findings, including substantial reserves near a village in East Khasi Hills.
Image source: ALS Global
In a recent survey conducted by GSI, many bauxite deposits have been identified across Meghalaya, along with other resources like lithium and limestone. With these findings, the state is predicted to receive immense economic benefits post the extraction process.
The Director of GSI’s Meghalaya Training and Capacity Building Division also confirmed bauxite availability in the Garo Hills. The survey has further divulged some good-quality limestone deposits and high-grade reserves in the East Jaintia Hills, East Khasi Hills, and Lithium Valley area near Cherrapunjee.
GSI discloses that 29 blocks in the East Jaintia Hills have accumulated 566.04 million tonnes of limestones, including 71.78 million tonnes estimated from a single block in Cherrapunjee. Cumulatively, Meghalaya’s total limestone resources reach 5737.82 million tonnes, uplifting the state’s reputation of holding high-quality limestone resources. This shall further aid and pump up the state’s cement industry.
In addition, GSI is currently in search of other rare earth elements and is examining the presence of germanium and lithium, which are crucial for advanced technologies.
The discovery of bauxite shall directly support India’s aluminium production with the necessary raw material supply chain. Besides, limestone and lithium can also benefit domestic aluminium production, being directly linked with the process.
Lime made from limestone is used in the alumina production process, especially during the Bayer process. It helps balance pH levels, get rid of unwanted materials and neutralise acids during the ore refining process. On the other hand, lithium is used in the aluminium production process, especially for creating aluminium-lithium alloys, popularly known for its properties like high strength and low density.
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