CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: The Geological Survey of India (GSI), North Eastern Region, has intensified its mineral exploration efforts in Meghalaya, uncovering significant potential for bauxite, limestone, and rare earth elements.
“GSI has recently found some indication for occurrence of bauxite in Garo Hills where right now we are doing a reconnaissance survey,” said S.T. Narahari, Director, TC (SU: Meghalaya), GSI NER Shillong. Bauxite deposits have also been identified in West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills districts, where resource estimation has been conducted. “There are particularly two areas where we have carried out exploration inferred resources. We have a mandate to go for certain stages of exploration. In Rymrai area of West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, we have done the exploration,” Narahari stated.
Another significant deposit was discovered in a village of East Khasi Hills, with an estimated 1.915 million tons. “Quantity-wise, the bauxite reserves in Meghalaya are low to moderate, while the grade is classified as moderate,” he added.
Limestone exploration has yielded promising results, particularly in East Jaintia Hills’ Lithium Valley and in smaller amounts in East Khasi Hills, including Cherrapunjee. “In Lithium Valley in East Jaintia Hills, GSI has explored 29 blocks and a total of 566.04 million tons of limestone,” Narahari confirmed.
“In Cherrapunjee, exploration was carried out in one block where 71.78 million tons have been estimated, bringing total limestone resources to 5737.82 million tons. It is a major mineral resource of Meghalaya, and the quality is very high,” he said.
GSI is also investigating the potential for rare earth element mineralization. Narahari pointed out that uranium deposits in Meghalaya are primarily concentrated in Domiasiat.
“Sandstone-type uranium deposits are likely to occur in areas wherever sandstone formations are available,” he said. The GSI is now conducting surveys for Germanium and Lithium in Meghalaya.
Also Read: Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma Attends SPARK Summit 2025 in Tura
Also Watch: