MECL to explore potash potential in Rajasthan
Team News Riveting
In a move aimed to utilise Rajasthan’s rich mineral resources, a project for exploring the feasibility of solution mining of potash in the state will be taken up.
A tripartite agreement was signed between Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML) and Rajasthan’s Department of Mines and Geology (DMG) for the project. MECL has been assigned as the program manager for taking up the feasibility study in the state with the help of an international consultant.
This had paved the way for the 1st Solution Mining project in the country. The project would generate employment as well as support the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan by way of generating import substitution by boosting the domestic mineral production of Potash and associated minerals.
Solution mining refers to the production of salt (or potash, or other soluble products) by pumping water into subterranean salt deposits, found in many parts of the world, dissolving the salts and pumping the brine to the surface for drying and further use.
The MoU was signed virtually in the presence of Union Minister for Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Arjun Ram Meghwal and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot.
“MoU will pave the way to undertake feasibility studies for harnessing sub-surface salt deposits through solution mining, utilise Rajasthan’s rich mineral reserves, boost its economy and establish it as a hub of solution mining of potash, the 1st in the country,” Joshi said.
Rajasthan has huge Potash and Halite resources spread across 50,000 sq. kms in the Nagaur – Ganganagar basin in the northwest. GSI and MECL have established 2476.58 million tonnes and 21199.38 million tonnes of Potash and Halite respectively.
Bedded Salt formations are strategically useful for underground oil storage, repositories for hydrogen, ammonia and helium gas, storage of compressed gas and nuclear waste. Potash and Sodium Chloride from the Bedded Salt are extensively used in the Fertiliser Industry and the Chemical Industry respectively.
