On April 4, 2023, the Hyderabad based National Geophysical Institute (NGRI) has found large deposits of fifteen rare-earth elements (REE) in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India
The NGRI scientists conducted a survey for non-traditional rocks like syenites in Anantapur District and successfully identified and analysed the host materials.
The major REE discovered identified were: Allanite, Ceriate, Thorite, Columbite, Tantalite, Apatite, Zircon, Monazite, Polychlore Euxenite and fluorite.
The REE of the lanthanide series are used in many critical components and electronic devices such as cellphone, televisions, computers, automobiles, and various industrial applications.
NGRI scientist PV Sunder Raju said Zircon of various shapes and sizes was observed in Anantapur. The Monazite grains showed the high order multiple colours with radial cracks within the grains which is suggestive of radioactive material elements, he added.
According to Raju, more feasibility studies will be conducted by deep drilling to learn more about these REE. They are used in clean energy, aerospace, defence and manufacturing permanent magnets-a key component of modern electronics like wind turbines, jet aircraft, and several other products.
REE are widely used in high-technology because of their luminescent and catalytic properties. The assessment of the REE with implications for metallogeny’s now underway at alkaline syenite complexes in Andhra, NGRI scientists said.
Metallogeny is a branch of geology that deals with genetic relationship between geological history of an area and its mineral deposits. The alkaline complexes are located west and southwest of Paleoproterozoic Cuddapah basin in Anantapur basin.
Several alkaline syenites earlier reported by Geological Survey of India (GSI) were looked at afresh for REE bearing minerals, scientists said. Dancherla, Peddvadaguru, Danduvaripalle, Reddeypalle Chintalchervu and the Pulikonda complex in Anantapur and Chittoor districts are potential hubs for REE based minerals.
The main site at Dancherla is oval shaped with an area of 18 square kilometers. Three Hundred Samples were subjected to further studies to understand the potential of REE minerals, a scientist said.
Recently, the GSI discovered an estimated 5.9 tonne reserve of lithium, a crucial mineral for the manufacturing of electric vehicles and solar panels in the Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
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