Arunachal has 35% of India’s Graphite Deposits: GSI Report

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) in its report revealed that about 35 % of India’s total Graphite reserves is found in Arunachal Pradesh. This is the highest found in country.

Key findings of Report

• About: The GSI presented the said data during its annual interactive meeting with the Department of Geology and Mining & Industries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh in Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh Capital).
• Issue: At present India imports majority of Graphite from other countries.
• Importance: With 35 % of India’s Graphite deposits being found in Arunachal Pradesh, the State could now be developed as leading producer of graphite in country thus helping in meeting its future needs.
• Suggestions: The Arunachal Pradesh’s secretary of Department of Geology and Mining suggested that the survey and drilling activities of GSI should be moved towards India-China international Border.
• As per the reports China is undertaking huge graphite mining activities across the border in Tibet Autonomous Region. Therefore, road and infrastructure development towards the (Sino-India) international border should act as a boon for exploration and extraction of mineral at the same time meeting India needs and reducing imports.
• Note: of the total 3,488 km border India shares with China, Arunachal Pradesh shares 1,126 km.

About Geological Survey of India (GSI)

• It was founded in 1851 with primarily goal of finding coal deposits for the Railways.
• It is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines and it is Headquartered in Kolkata.
• Function: To create and update national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment.
• Services Undertaken: The objectives of GSI are achieved through various surveys like marine, air-borne, ground, and also by mineral investigations. It also undertakes multi-disciplinary studies like geo-environmental, geoscientific, geo-technical, and natural hazards, and carrying out fundamental research.

About Graphite

• It is the most stable allotrope of Carbon, with standard entropy being zero.
• It is the only non-metal element which is a good conductor of electricity.
• It is also known as a dry lubricant for its greasy feel.
• It has many industrial applications, especially for products that need very high heat.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2019