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Dimapur, Aug. 9 (EMN): Different types of iron ores such as magnetite ore, laterites and lateritic soils, besides mineralisation of chromites associates with or without magnetites in the forms of pods, lens etc., have been found spreading sparsely in the ultramafic rocks throughout the study area in Nagaland.
This was found out during the mineral investigation of G4 level exploration of Ni-Co-Cr-magnetite in Mollen-Jopi-Ziphu (MJZ) ridge and adjoining areas, Naga Hills Ophiolite, in Phek district during the year 2020-2021 by the Directorate of Geological and Mining, Dimapur.
According to the Directorate of Geological and Mining department, major quantum of works comprised of geological mapping of area, geochemical sampling and analysis of samples mainly for 6-radicals (Ni, Co, Cr, Fe, Ti and V). The report stated that six mineralised areas or zones were demarcated namely: Thewati magnetite deposit magnetites, reguri magnetite magnetites, Northern Ziphu magnetite, southern Ziphu pod magnetites and laterites, mollen laterites and reguri lateritic soil.
Out of these mineralised areas, two magnetite ore deposits -- thewati magnetite deposit and reguri magnetite deposit – that have commercial potential were delineated for resources estimation, the report said.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Geological and Mining Dimapur had also carried out G3 level exploration of limestone at Salumi block in Kiphire district.
The present exploration report has revealed that the Salumi limestone block comprised of five lensoidal deposits of varying dimensions spread over an area of approximately 0.79 square km, it was informed.
Based on the present exploration drilling, it concluded that the limestone is not persistent with the depth as reported by the earlier workers where limestone was envisaged to be continuing up to the Likimro River.
According to the report, the total limestone resources potential of Salumi block is 7.59 MT, out of which 0.99 MT indicated, 5.55 MT inferred and 1.05 MT reconnaissance resources.
The main mineral resources of Kiphire district having economic potential were magnetite, limestones, sandstones and other building materials.
According to the Directorate of Geological and Mining Dimapur, appraisal work reported that the Changki Coal Block B physical components work has been completed involving 21 boreholes with total meterage of 3791.05m, geological mapping on 1:5000 scale in 13.70 sq.km and channel sampling of all mineable coal seams while analytical results of core and channel samples were awaited.
While at Mongchen-Dibuia Coal Block (MDCB), G2 exploration activities had began in February 2021 and G4 exploration activities started at Yimchenkimomg-Molungyinsen Coal block in March this year.