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GSI discovers millions of tonnes of precious metals and minerals in Indian waters

By
AC Team 1
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Scientists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have discovered the presence of millions of tonnes of precious metals and minerals deep under the waters that surround peninsular India.

Marine Exploration by Geological Survey of India (GSI):

The huge presence of marine resources was first identified off Mangaluru, Chennai, Mannar Basin, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and around Lakshadweep in early 2014.

  • Marine resources that have been identified comprise lime mud, phosphate-rich and calcareous sediments, hydrocarbons, metalliferous deposits and micronodules.
  • After three years of exploration, Geological Survey of India (GSI) has generated 181,025 square kilometres of high-resolution seabed morphological data and has established the occurrence of more than 10,000 million tonnes of lime mud within the Exclusive Economic Zone of India. GSI discovers millions of tonnes of precious metals and minerals in Indian waters
  • High Resolution Seabed Mapping and Natural Resource Evaluation was carried out by three state-of-the-art research vessels viz. ‘Samudra Ratnakar’, ‘Samudra Kaustabh’ and ‘Samudra Saudikama’. 
  • Ashish Nath, Superintendent Geologist at GSI said, main objective of carrying out mapping activity was to identify potential zones of favourable mineralisation and evaluate marine mineral resources.

Identified Marine Resources and Location:

Marine ResourcesLocation
Phosphate sedimentOff Karwar, Mangaluru and Chennai coasts
Gas HydrateIn the channel-levee system of Mannar Basin off the Tamil Nadu coast
Cobalt-bearing ferro-manganese crustAndaman Sea
Micro-manganese nodulesLakshadweep Sea.

About Geological Survey of India (GSI):

Geological Survey of India(GSI) is a government organisation in India under Union Ministry of Mines for conducting geological surveys and studies.

  • It was formed in year 1851.
  • GSI is the prime provider of basic earth science information to the government, industry and the general public.
  • Headquarters of GSI is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
  • M Raju is the current Director General of GSI.