India: Kerala moves to auction bauxite blocks

The state government of Kerala, India, has begun the process of auctioning bauxite blocks in Kasaragod, according to Industries Principal Secretary A P M Mohammed Hanish.

On the occasion of the GSI's foundation day celebrations, he commended the agency for identifying bauxite reserves in the district, emphasising that this discovery presents significant opportunities for the state at this time.

At the event, Hanish hailed the Geological Survey of India (GSI) as an “unsung hero” for its invaluable contributions to geological research. As part of the occasion, two books—Kerala’s Geological Sentinel: Glimpses of Geological Survey of India and Reminiscences: Echoes from Office Desk to Field Adventures—were released, along with the magazine Bhoumakairali.

The event also featured a technical session led by senior geologist Kavitha S, who introduced the Bhooskhalan app and the Bhoosanket portal. These digital tools aim to improve disaster reporting and enhance geological inventories, benefiting experts and the general public.

Dignitaries from various institutions, including the Atomic Mineral Directorate, University of Kerala, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Rare Earth Limited, and the Central Groundwater Board, were in attendance. Several prominent figures also addressed the gathering, including V Ambily, GSI Deputy Director General; Nanda Bhargav, Councillor of Nettayam; M M Nair, retired Deputy DG of GSI; Kishore M C, Additional Director of the Directorate of Mining and Geology (DMG); and Sekhar Kuriakose, Member Secretary of the State Disaster Management Authority.

Department of Mining and Geology, Government of Kerala (Mineral Resources, Bauxite)

Bauxite is closely associated with laterite formations along the entire west coast of Kerala. While traces of bauxite are present in almost all laterite cappings, economically significant deposits are limited to select locations in the southern part of the state. These include Sooranad, Vadakkumuri, Chittavattom, and Adichanallur in Kollam district, as well as Mangalapuram, Chilambil, Sasthavattom, and Attipra in Thiruvananthapuram district.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd. (MECL) conducted extensive studies on bauxite occurrences in North Kerala, particularly in Kasargod and Kannur districts, between 1968 and 1974. These studies involved geological mapping, pitting, drilling, and sampling.

Based on various investigations, Kerala's total bauxite reserves are estimated at 12.5 million tonnes. The largest deposit is in Nileswaram, with a reserve of 5.32 million tonnes, featuring an alumina (Al₂O₃) content of approximately 45 per cent and silica (SiO₂) content of less than 5 per cent.

Outlook 

Odisha is India's foremost state for bauxite production, contributing approximately 50 per cent to the nation's overall output. The ranking of states in terms of bauxite resources is Odisha (49-51 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (16 per cent), Gujarat (8-9 per cent), Jharkhand (5-6 per cent), Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh (4-5 per cent each). 

India’s bauxite mining sector reports growth in the non-ferrous segment. Its output was 23.93 million tonnes in FY 2023-24 and is forecasted to reach 24.01 million tonnes in FY 2024-25.

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