(a) the names of the minerals available in Rajasthan;
(b) the details of reconnaissance method which are used to discover the mineral reserves;
(c) whether this method was used to identify new mineral reserves in Rajasthan; and
(d) if so, the details thereof including the agencies involved therein along with the findings thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL AND MINES ( SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)
(a) : The names of the minerals available in Rajasthan are Apatite, Asbestos, Ballclay, Barytes, Bauxite, Bentonite, Calcite, Chinaclay, Copper, Corundum, Diatomite, Dolomite, Emerald, Feldspar, Fireclay, Fluorite, Fuller`s Earth, Garnet, Granite, Graphite, Gypsum, Iron Ore, Dyanite, Lead & Zinc Ore, Limestone, Magnesite, Marble, Mica, Manganese Ore, Ochre, Phosphorite, Potash, Pyrite, Pyrophyllite, Quarts/Silica Sand, Quartzite, Sillimanite, Silver, Talc/Steatite/Soapstone, Tunsgton, Vermiculite and Wollastonite.
(b) : The reconnaissance methods used to discover the mineral reserves are Regional mapping of the area, Airborne geophysical surveys (magnetic, electro-magnetic and radiometric), Processing of the airborne survey data, Ground geophysical surveys, Geochemical sampling followed by large scale geological mapping and test drilling.
(c) & (d) : Yes, Sir. In addition to Geological Survey of India, the agencies involved in prospecting are Hindustan Zinc Limited, BHP Minerals (Pvt.) Limited, Meridian Minerals India (Pvt.) Limited, WSIL Minerals Sands India (Pvt.) Limited, ACC-Rio Tinto Exploration (Pvt.) Limited, Inglewood Minerals (Pvt.) Limited, Phelps Dodge Exploration India (Pvt.) Limited, RBW Mineral Industries Limited, Metmin Finance & Holding (Pvt.) Limited, Pasminco Exploration (Pvt.) Limited and Lake Resources Holding India (Pvt.) Limited.
A total of 63 Prospecting licences/Reconnaissance permits over large areas were granted in Rajasthan covering an area of 87298.22 sq.kms. Out of this an area of 30013.52 sq.kms. has been surrendered. Only a few low grade deposits of copper, lead, zinc and gold have been identified.