In a groundbreaking geological discovery, deposits of platinum, chromium, and gold have been identified in Saoli tehsil of Chandrapur district, Maharashtra — marking the first known instance of such a find in the country.
According to geologist and environmentalist Prof. Suresh Chopane, the survey conducted by the Geology Department revealed significant mineral deposits in the Shali-Bathri region, which falls within the ancient Bastar Craton. This geological zone contains rocks dating back to the Archean period (300 million years ago) through the Proterozoic period (150 million years ago).
The survey uncovered the highest concentrations of platinum and chromium (up to 950 ppb), along with trace amounts of gold, palladium, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, and osmium. These findings underscore the region’s untapped potential in precious and strategic metals vital to the nation’s development.
Prof. Chopane emphasized that such deposits have not been reported elsewhere in India to date. He urged local leaders, including elected representatives and government ministers, to prioritize a comprehensive geological survey of the area to further explore and develop these resources.
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