Meghalaya: Large Mineral Deposits, Rare Earth Elements Discovered

SHILLONG: The Geological Survey of India (GSI), North Eastern Region, has possibly hit a jackpot by discovering large mineral deposits in Meghalaya, which are likely to boost the economic and industrial prospect of the state. S.T. Narahari, the Director of TC (SU: Meghalaya), has said that the recent reconnaissance surveys have found the presence of bauxite in the Garo Hills region, with further deposits unearthed in the West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills region.

In the Rymrai area of West Khasi Hills, GSI has inferred substantial bauxite resources while significant reserves were found in another site at a village in East Khasi Hills. Although the overall quantity of bauxite in Meghalaya is classified as low to moderate, its quality is deemed moderate.

The survey also shed light on favorable limestone deposits, especially high-grade reserves in Lithium Valley, East Jaintia Hills. Smaller instances have been detected in East Khasi Hills, especifically in Cherrapunjee. The exploration by GSI in 29 blocks of East Jaintia Hills has unearthed about 566.04 million tons of limestone, with a single block in Cherrapunjee yielding an estimated 71.78 million tons. This increases Meghalaya's limestone resources to a staggering 5737.82 million tons, cementing its status as a state with high-quality limestone.

Apart from these results, the GSI is expediting the exploration of rare earth elements (REE) and also investigating the presence of Germanium and Lithium, elements crucial for advanced technology. The initial surveys are being conducted to locate high-potential areas for these valuable resources, specifically in coal sediments of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills.

Also Read: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma To Inaugurate Key Infrastructure Projects In Nagaon

Also Watch: