Nagpur, 24 Apr (HS):

Deposits of platinum, chromium, and gold have been identified in Saoli tehsil

of Chandrapur district, Maharashtra. This is the first known instance of such a

find in the country.

Prof. Suresh Chopane,

Geologist and Environmentalist, said that the survey conducted by the Geology

Department revealed significant mineral deposits in the Shali-Bathri region,

which falls within the ancient Bastar Craton. This geological zone contains rocks

dating back to the Archean period (300 million years ago) through the

Proterozoic period (150 million years ago) period.

The survey

uncovered the highest concentrations of platinum and chromium (up to 950 ppb),

along with trace amounts of gold, palladium, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, and

osmium. These findings underscore the region’s untapped potential in precious

and strategic metals vital to the nation’s development.

Prof Chopane said

that such deposits have not been reported so far elsewhere in India. He urged

local leaders, including elected representatives and ministers, to prioritize a

comprehensive geological survey of the area to further explore and tap these

resources.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar