Meghalaya Hits the Jackpot: Discovery of Bauxite, Lithium, and Limestone Deposits
In a significant breakthrough, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found deposits of bauxite, lithium, and limestone in various parts of Meghalaya, setting the stage for the hill state’s economic transformation. The discovery is a game-changer for Meghalaya, which has been grappling with limited resources and stagnant industrial growth.
According to ST Narahari, Director of GSI Training and Capacity Building Division for the state unit of Meghalaya, the reconnaissance surveys have identified the presence of bauxite in the Garo Hills region, with additional deposits discovered in the West Khasi Hills and East Khasi Hills regions. The Rymrai area of West Khasi Hills is particularly notable, with substantial moderate-quality bauxite resources unearthed, while the East Khasi Hills region has yielded significant reserves.
The survey has also shed light on favorable limestone deposits, particularly high-grade reserves in Lithium Valley, East Jaintia Hills, and East Khasi Hills, specifically in Cherrapunjee. The exploration by GSI in 29 blocks of East Jaintia Hills has uncovered approximately 566.04 million tonnes of limestone, with a single block in Cherrapunjee alone estimated to yield 71.78 million tonnes. This increases Meghalaya’s limestone resources to a staggering 5737.82 million tonnes, solidifying its position as a state with high-quality limestone.
Cement factories in the region consume significant amounts of limestone, which is the main raw material for cement. The discovery is expected to have a direct impact on the region’s cement industry, providing a steady supply of raw materials and boosting its prospects.
The GSI is also expediting the exploration of rare earth elements (REE) and investigating the presence of Germanium and Lithium, crucial for advanced technology. Initial surveys are being conducted to locate high-potential areas for these valuable resources in coal sediments of Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills.
This windfall discovery, when materialized, will undoubtedly boost the economic and industrial prospects of Meghalaya, presenting a host of opportunities for the state and its people. As the region moves forward, it will be essential to balance the need for resource extraction with environmental and social concerns, ensuring that the benefits of this discovery are shared equitably among all stakeholders.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/04/01/gsi-finds-valuable-mineral-deposits-in-state/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-04-01 04:23:00
