Shillong: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has discovered significant deposits of minerals like bauxite, lithium and limestone across Meghalaya.
These mineral deposits could provide substantial economic benefits to the state of Meghalaya upon extraction. The limestone discovery raised Meghalaya’s limestone resources to 5737.82 million tonnes making it crucial for the Northeast’s cement industry.
GSI has confirmed the presence of bauxite in the Garo Hills. In addition, it has identified moderate-qualify bauxite after reconnaissance in the Rymrai area of the West Khasi Hills and a village in the East Khasi Hills.
GSI also discovered significant limestone deposits in the East Jaintia Hills, the East Khasi Hills and Lithium Valley near Cherrapunjee. 566.04 million tonnes of high-grade limestone was discovered in the East Jaintia Hills after GSI explored 29 blocks. Another 71.78 million tonnes was discovered from a single block in Cherrapunjee.
GSI is also actively exploring for rare earth elements and conducting surveys in coal sediments of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills. The focus is on searching for the presence of germanium and lithium, both critical elements for advanced technology.
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