The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found two significant platinum prospects in Tamil Nadu, according to Santha Sheela Nair, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Mines. The two prospects are in Sittampundi of Namakkal district (covering Karungalpatti, Chettiyampalaiyam and Tasamapalaiym blocks) and Mettupalayam of Coimbatore (Solavanur, Mallanayakkampalaiyam and Karappadi blocks). Describing them as “good discoveries,” Ms Nair told reporters on Thursday that “we are at the scientific stage where there is an evidence of substantial deposits of platinum which needs to be explored further to understand the exact location and quantities.”
The GSI was engaged in the exploratory work for the last three years. As of now, exploration was carried out up to 30 metres. If explored further, – say 200 to 300 metres , scientists of the GSI were of the view that "the potential will be even greater, both in quantity and quality,” the Mines Secretary said. Earlier, in the presence of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Ms. Nair and senior officials of the State government at the Secretariat, GSI Director-General N.K. Datta and Tamil Nadu Minerals (TAMIN) Chairman and Managing Director K. Manivasan signed a memorandum of understanding.
Ms. Nair said the MoU was signed to facilitate further exploration of mineral development of the State. By associating with the GSI, the TAMIN would be able to diversify its activities. At present, the organisation was focussing on granites.
Pointing out that there were greater possibilities for collaboration with the State agency, N.P. Nathan, senior scientist in the GSI, said other minerals such as limestone, magnesite and iron ore could be covered. The Union Secretary reiterated that many more levels had to be crossed before reaching the stage of mining. Under the existing constitutional framework, mineral wealth belonged to States, which would receive royalties. Durai Murugan, Law Minister, and K. Shanmugam and Rajeev Ranjan, Principal Secretaries for Finance and Industries, were present when MOU was signed.
