(a) whether the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has undertaken any mineral survey in Orissa during the last three years;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken for the exploitation of coal in those areas?
(a) whether the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has undertaken any mineral survey in Orissa during the last three years;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken for the exploitation of coal in those areas?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL & MINES ( SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASHAD)
(a) : Yes, Sir. Geological Survey of India(GSI), a subordinate organisation under the administrative control of the Department of Mines has undertaken mineral survey in Orissa during the last three years.
(b) : Investigations were carried out for PGE (Platinum Group of Elements) in Baula-Nuasahi area, Keonjhar District, for Gold in Mayurbhanj & Malkhangiri Districts, for Manganese in Bolangir & Sundargarh Districts, for Diamond in Bolangir, Bargarh, Sonepur, Kalahandi, Jharsuguda, Koraput & Nawarangpur Districts, for Dimension Stones in Koraput & Rayagada Districts, for Iron Ore in Sundargarh & Keonjhar Districts, for Chromite in Jajpur & Dhenkanal Districts and for Coal in Talcher and IB-River coalfields.
As a result of these surveys the following mineral reserves have been estimated:-
1. 2.06 million tonnes of Manganese ore in Bolangir District.
2. A indicated resource of 14.2 million tonnes of Platinum Group of Metals (Platinum and Palladium) Ore in Baula-Nuasahi area, Keonjhar District.
3. 2274.08 million tonnes of Coal in Talcher & IB-River Coalfields.
(c) : Exploitation of minerals / deposits does not come under the purview of GSI.