Survey reveals platinum reserve in Orissa mines

Monday, 13 January 2003, 20:30 IST
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BHUBANESHWAR: A survey by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has revealed the presence of platinum reserve in Orissa's Baula mining region in the coastal district of Jajpur. "We have completed a survey that began four years ago. It shows that this area contains a huge quantity of platinum," a GSI official here told IANS. "Platinum is difficult to find in India. It is found in only a few places including in Tamil Nadu," the official added. "Our preliminary survey in Orissa indicates that the platinum reserves in the state can be commercially viable if explored. "We are going to make geological analysis and drill the identified areas very soon." The official did not disclose further details of the platinum find. "That information is secret." South Africa holds one of the largest known platinum reserves and is the world's biggest producer of platinum group metals (PGMs). India produces 89 minerals out of which four are fuel minerals, 11 metallic, 52 non-metallic and 22 minor minerals. The metallic production is accounted by iron ore, copper ore, chromites, zinc concentrates, gold, manganese ore, bauxite and lead concentrates. Amongst the non-metallic minerals, more than 90 percent of the aggregate value are shared by limestone, dolomite, kaolin, gypsum, phosphorite, steatite and fluorite. Geologically, two-thirds of Orissa is made up of rocks known to harbour many metallic and non-metallic minerals including iron, chromium, manganese, bauxite, tin, vanadium, dolomite, china clay, granite and gemstones. The state accounts for about 97 percent of chromite, 71 percent of bauxite, 33 percent of iron and 32 percent of manganese resources in India. Platinum is one of the most resistant metals. Because of its resistance to chemical attacks and its high melting point of 1,768 degree centigrade, platinum is especially suitable as material for instruments in chemical laboratories.
Source: IANS