Bhalukona–Jamnidih block
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: HT
Context: A potential Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Elements (Ni–Cu–PGE) mineral zone has been discovered in the Bhalukona–Jamnidih block, Chhattisgarh, marking a breakthrough in India’s strategic mineral exploration.
About Bhalukona–Jamnidih block:
• What It Is? A geologically rich block containing Ni–Cu–PGE sulphide mineralisation, recently licensed to Deccan Gold Mining Ltd. (DGML).
• A geologically rich block containing Ni–Cu–PGE sulphide mineralisation, recently licensed to Deccan Gold Mining Ltd. (DGML).
• Location: Located in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh, 70 km from Raipur, and part of the Neo-Archaean Sonakhan Greenstone Belt in the Bastar Craton.
• Key Features: Hosts mafic-ultramafic intrusives like gabbro, pyroxenite, and meta-olivine websterite. Sulphide mineralisation found up to 300 metres deep Mineralisation is disseminated and bleb-type, with pyrite, chalcopyrite, and pyrrhotite Adjacent to Kelwardabri block held by Vedanta, forming a future critical mineral hub
• Hosts mafic-ultramafic intrusives like gabbro, pyroxenite, and meta-olivine websterite.
• Sulphide mineralisation found up to 300 metres deep
• Mineralisation is disseminated and bleb-type, with pyrite, chalcopyrite, and pyrrhotite
• Adjacent to Kelwardabri block held by Vedanta, forming a future critical mineral hub
• Scientific Significance: G4-level exploration by Geological Survey of India confirmed mineral potential IP and drone-based magnetic surveys revealed a 700-metre-long mineralised zone High-potential zone for Ni–PGE–Cr–Cu Represents volcano-sedimentary evolution and complex magmatic history
• G4-level exploration by Geological Survey of India confirmed mineral potential
• IP and drone-based magnetic surveys revealed a 700-metre-long mineralised zone
• High-potential zone for Ni–PGE–Cr–Cu
• Represents volcano-sedimentary evolution and complex magmatic history
About Ni–Cu–PGE (Nickel–Copper–Platinum Group Elements):
• What They Are? A group of critical and strategic metals found in sulphide-rich mafic-ultramafic rocks. They often occur together in complex geological formations.
• A group of critical and strategic metals found in sulphide-rich mafic-ultramafic rocks. They often occur together in complex geological formations.
• Applications: Nickel (Ni): Used in EV batteries, stainless steel, aerospace components. Copper (Cu): Essential for electric wires, renewable energy systems, electronics. PGE (Pt, Pd, Rh): Used in catalytic converters, fuel cells, and green hydrogen production. Strategic for clean energy transition, defence, and advanced electronics.
• Nickel (Ni): Used in EV batteries, stainless steel, aerospace components.
• Copper (Cu): Essential for electric wires, renewable energy systems, electronics.
• PGE (Pt, Pd, Rh): Used in catalytic converters, fuel cells, and green hydrogen production.
• Strategic for clean energy transition, defence, and advanced electronics.
• National Relevance: India’s import-dependent sectors (EVs, electronics) rely heavily on these minerals. Supports India’s Critical Minerals Strategy and net-zero carbon goals.
• India’s import-dependent sectors (EVs, electronics) rely heavily on these minerals.
• Supports India’s Critical Minerals Strategy and net-zero carbon goals.