National Seminar on Significant Advancements in

Plasma/Flame/Associated Techniques and their Applications in

Chemical Characterization of Atomic Minerals and Materials During 23 -
24 J anuary 2013

National Workshop on Recent Advances in Geology of Dongargarh-Kotri
Belt, Central India
and its Mineral Potential
Jointly Organized by
Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration & Research, Hyderabad
and
Gondwana Geological Society, Nagpur
21
st
and 22
nd
June , 2012
Nagpur
Introduction
Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Department of
Atomic Energy is the only institution involved in exploration of uranium, thorium and
other atomic minerals used in the nuclear industry. The institution is rendering its
services in establishing resources of atomic minerals and research in all fields of
geology, viz. exploration, geochemistry, geochronology, and related areas for the past
60 years. During this period, AMD has carried out extensive exploration activities in
Central India in Archaean crystallines, Proterozoic and Mesozoic basins and
generated a huge data base. Several target areas had been identified and subsurface
exploration work resulted in proving a few uranium deposits and a number of
occurences.
Gondwana Geological Society (GGS), established in 1981 is one of the pioneering
and proactive earth science societies in our country, promoting the cause of advanced
geo-scientific study and research. The Gondwana Geological Magazine (ISSN 0970-
261 X) with two issues annually is the flagship journal of GGS. The GGS has
organized a number of National Seminars, Conferences and Workshops in the past.
Besides AMD, national institutions and research organizations such as GSI, IBM,
HCL, MECL, NGRI, WCL, DMGs and several universities have extensively worked
in Central India to understand the stratigraphy, magmatism, geochemistry, tectonics,
evolutionary processes and economic potentials. There is a need to synthesize and
interprete the data, to fill the knowledge gaps and to evolve new strategies to
strengthen the exploration activities. A two day national workshop during 21st and
22nd June, 2012 is planned by AMD at Nagpur on Recent Advances in Geology of
Dongargarh-Kotri Belt and its Minerals Potential in association with the Gondwana
Geological Society, which will provide a platform for interaction between the
scientists, explorers, and researchers who have worked and contributed in
understanding in the evolution of Central India.
The Theme
Central Indian shield is a part of Bastar craton which is surrounded by Singhbhum
craton in the east, Bundelkhand in the North and Dharwar craton in the South and
separated by Eastern Ghat mobile belt and Gondwana rifts. Bastar craton constitutes
basement crystallines, supracrustal sequences and intrusive batholiths overlain by
sedimentary basins. Dongargarh-Kotri Belt (DKB) is situated within Bastar craton and
according to some workers it is a typical greenstone belt. It is also a prime target for
uranium, REE, gold, copper and related metals and therefore attracts special attention
among explorers and researchers alike.
DKB, with imprints of repetitive volcanic, plutonic and tectonic activities and
Khairagarh basin of volcano-sedimentary assemblage, presents an enviable
geodomain for geological, geophysical, geochemical and geochronological appraisal
from the point of view of hosting various metal deposits including uranium and REE.
It is very pertinent to have a scientific discussion / exchange of ideas about the area
for value addition to geological knowledge base in the pursuit of enhancing National
Mineral Inventory.
The main objective of the workshop is to identify recent advancements in geology and
to document these and other significant aspects, through contributions from leading
past and present workers involved in geological research in India. Contributors are
expected to focus on following themes:
1. The basement of DKB.
2. Central Indian Tectonic Domain and its relation with DKB.
3. Evolution of volcano-sedimentary sequence and Dongargarh Malanjkhand
granitoid.
4. Geophysical studies over DKB.
5. Uranium, REE and other mineral potential of DKB.
The workshop will include invited talks by eminent geoscientists who have vast
experience in the above fields as well as presentation by active workers on DKB
having a vision for the future. In addition, poster session is being arranged for young
researchers who can contribute and express their views and interact with experts. The
workshop will conclude with a Panel Discussion for viable recommendations which
will form the basis for developing future exploration strategy for U, REE, base metals
and Au.
Registration
Intending participants may register on or before 15
th
March, 2012. Registration fee is
Rs. 250/- for students, Rs. 500/- for Members and Rs. 1000/- for non members of the
Gondwana Geological Society, Nagpur. The delegates may send their registration fee
in advance by Demand Draft drawn in favour of National Workshop DKRB,
Nagpur.
Submission of Abstracts
Abstracts of papers, not exceeding 300 words are to be submitted alongwith
registration form so as to reach the Convener positively on or before 15
th
March,
2012. The abstract should also be submitted through email in MSWord format for fast
processing and communication. Authors of selected abstracts will be informed
alongwith the second circular for submission of the full paper. The abstract should
include the title of the paper, names(s) of the author(s), organization and the address,
including the e-mail ID.
Submission of full Papers
The papers accepted for presentation in the workshop will be published in a Special
Volume of Gondwana Geological Society after peer review and will be released
during inauguration of the workshop as per precedence of GGS. It is, therefore,
requested to submit the full paper in hard copy as well as a soft copy in CD/email on
or before April, 30, 2012 as per Gondwana Geological Magazine format.
Weather
Weather at Nagpur will be rainy and is expected to be pleasant.
Accommodation
Limited accommodation will be available in various government and university guest
houses. Hotel accommodation suiting various budget needs is also available. The
delegates are requested to indicate their requirement and choice of accommodation
well in advance.
The nuclear power programme of the country is a
three stage programme.The first stageof this
programme is based on Pressurised Heavy Water
Reactors (PHWR) which are fuelled by natural
uranium. The requirement of natural uranium for
these reactors is met from the indigenous
resources established by AMD. The second
stageenvisages utilization of plutonium produced
and re-processed from the first stage. The third
stageis based on thorium for which not only some breakthrough has been achieved but also
further R&D effort is in progress. The requirements of thorium would be met from vast
resources of the mineral - monazite (a thorium, REE phosphate).
The work spectrum of AMD is closely linked to different phases of nuclear fuel cycle, viz.
Front end : survey for identification of atomic mineral deposits
Middle : site selection for nuclear power reactors
Back end : selection of suitable sites for waste disposal
The front-end activities are of major importance and are carried out in the field with adequate
laboratory support. The principal activity is to identify three major group of resources viz. (i)
uranium, (ii) rare metal and rare earths (Nb-Ta, Ce, Be, REE, Y), and (iii) beach sand minerals
containing minerals of thorium, titanium and zirconium.
Uranium Investigations
The field activities commence with remote
sensing studies / airborne surveys (ASRS)
followed by ground geological, geochemical,
geophysical surveys (EGPG) on different scales.
Once ground anomalies have been established by
these methods, their subsurface continuity is
probed by core / non-core drilling and rarely by
exploratory mining. The laboratory studies are
carried out simultaneously to evolve models for
exploration and for optimising the recovery
parameters. Once a deposit is established, it is handed over to Uranium Corporation of India
Limited (UCIL) for commercial exploitation.


Investigations for RMRE Resources
The mineral resources included in this group are columbite-tantalite, beryl, spodumene,
lepidolite and xenotime which generally occur in pegmatites and riverine placers. The field
investigations commence with survey, followed by pitting / sampling to estimate the grade of the
occurrence. These minerals are then won by excavating gravel portion of the pegmatites and by
setting up on-site small-scale recovery plants. Separation of these minerals is done by physical
beneficiation methods and the recovered minerals are stock piled in the godowns of the
Directorate.
Beach Sand Investigations
The beach sand minerals comprise of ilmenite, rutile, zircon, monazite, garnet, and sillimanite
which occur in different concentrations along various coastal stretches of the country. These
mineral resources are sampled by auger drilling, conrod bunka drilling, dormer drilling and
reserves are estimated by mineralogical analysis of both individual and composite samples.
These resource estimates are parted with Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) and other state
government / private entrepreneurs on commercial terms.
Laboratory support
In order to support the above investigations, the Directorate is equipped with various laboratories
both at AMD headquarter and regional centers. They not only provide useful information to the
field units but also design, develop, fabricate and maintain many of the instruments required in
the exploration programme.
While in each Region there is a Physics, Chemistry and Petrology laboratory, in the Headquarter
at Hyderabad, there are other laboratories also often functioning as a Group, viz.
Mineralogy-Petrology-Geochronology Group
Petrology Laboratory
X-Ray diffraction laboratory
Electron microprobe laboratory
X-Ray fluorescence laboratory
Spectrograph laboratory
Geochronology laboratory
Radiation Standards and Analysis Group
Radiometric assay (Physics) Laboratory
Neutron activation laboratory
Instrumentation Group
Chemistry Group
Mineral Technology laboratory
Environmental studies
Winning of minerals from the earth involves alteration of environmental parameters and has
always been a concern for the mankind. Atomic minerals, especially uranium, being radioactive
the concerns of environment draw more attention. However, considering the fact that uranium is
packed with abundant energy, for comparison, 1 kg petroleum products produce 4 KWh
electricity whereas 1 kg of natural uranium produces 50,000 kwh electricity the importance of
winning this metal from the earth assumes all the importance.
For planning and initiating remedial measures, if any, in a mining activity, pre-project
environmental data is therefore essential. In the recent years, AMD has been generating the pre-
project environmental baseline data around the potential mining sites.
Towards the back-end activities, AMD is associated with the site selection for nuclear
establishments
Site selection for nuclear power reactors
Nuclear Power Plant sites are subjected to stringent evaluation at every stage from regional
analysis to site specific investigations, for which AMD carries out geotechnical studies during
pre-construction stage. It collates the available geological and seismotectonic data for 300 km
radius area around the site. Seismotectonic maps on suitable scales are synthesized, Active
Faults identified and the earthquake potential of the structural elements and seismotectonic
provinces is evaluated. Remote sensing studies using satellite imageries and aerial photos
followed by limited field check are supportive supplements in this work. The output of this
endeavor has application in deriving the seismic parameters that are used in the design to
strengthen the foundation and the structure to withstand the heavy loads and seismic shaking.
Similar studies are carried out for the sites for Heavy Water Plants, Tailings Ponds and
Irradiation Plants.
In the selected sites geological mapping of the reactor pits, lithologging, petrographic studies of
the borehole cores and base-line radiation data collection are carried out.
Site Selection for Waste Disposal
Nuclear industry generates radioactive waste (RAW). Ultimate disposal of this waste is done in
suitable geological environment. Consequently comprehensive geological study in relation to all
aspects of storage / disposal of RAW is a must before final selection of sites of radioactive waste
repository. AMD extends the cooperation in the site selection of repositories, drilling of the
candidate sites and studying of the core samples in order to evaluate the subsurface conditions,
petromineralogical characteristics and to generate samples for the testing of engineering
properties. Expert opinion is offered to the end user on the investigative geological reports
submitted by other agencies.
Miscellaneous
In addition, some of the miscellaneous activities carried out by AMD are as under
1. Site specific background radiation surveys were carried out in Goa and Nepal for M/s. Kodak
India Pvt., Ltd., for their photographic film storage plants.
2. Radon Emanometry surveys were carried out in and around Khilari following the 1993
earthquake and the radon anomalous behaviour had shown coherence in time with seismic
events.
3. As a member of the Task Force, AMD has contributed to the revision of IS code in bringing
about the Criteria for earthquake resistant design of structures, Part.1 General Provisions and
Buildings (Fifth Revision), IS 1893 (Part-1): 2002.
4. AMD contributes in the formulation of codes of AERB pertaining to geological and
seismological aspects and was a member of Expert Committee for Seismic Qualification of
existing DAE installations (ECSQ).





AMDs prime mandate is to identify and evaluate uranium resources required for the first stage
of atomic energy programme of the country. For implementing this important task investigations
are taken up across the length and breadth of
the country from Regions located at New
Delhi (Northern Region), Bangalore
(Southern Region) Jamshedpur (Eastern
Region), Shillong (Northeastern Region),
Jaipur (Western Region), Nagpur (Central
Region) and Hyderabad (AMD headquarter
& South Central Region).
The strategies for uranium exploration are
guided by geological criteria and
contemporary developments in uranium
exploration techniques world over. Thegeneral
scheme of activities (investigative
methodology) commences with literature study
followed by study of available satellite images/ photogeological maps, known radioactivity,
geochemical anomalies etc. This is followed by airborne gamma ray spectrometric (AGRS)
surveys over favourable areas for narrowing down the target areas. Radiometric reconnaissance
survey is taken up in these target areas using hand
held scintillometer. Once uranium anomalies are
located, detailed geological and geophysical
studies on different scales (1:50000; 1:25000;
1:10000; 1:5000) are then undertaken to narrow
down the areas for taking up drilling.
Simultaneously, the samples generated at various
stages of exploration are analysed
in Physics, Chemistry,Spectrograph, Petrology, XRF, XRD and EPMA laboratories for ore
characterization. Bulk samples of the ores are studied in Mineral Technology and Ore Dressing
laboratories for optimizing flow sheet characters.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES (1950- 2010)
RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY 5,23,698 Sq.Km
AGRS SURVEY 6,56,996 Line Km
DETAILED SURVEY 11,186 Sq.Km
GEOCHEMICAL SURVEY 2,26,506 Sq.Km
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY 3,118 Sq.Km
DEPARTMENTAL DRILLING 13,70,293 m
CONTRACT DRILLING 6,32,239 m


The resources of uranium are estimated at various stages of exploration and the mutually agreed
reports on reserve estimates are prepared jointly with the Uranium Corporation of India
Limited (UCIL) for planning commercial exploitation.
Resources
India's identified conventional uranium resources (RAR and Inferred) are estimated to amount to
105 900 tU and are hosted by the following type of deposits
S.No. Category # Resource
%
U Occurrences in India
1 Vein type 49.06%

2 Sandstone type 14.57%
3 Unconformity type 12.92%
4 Metasomatic 0.63%
5 QPC 0.33%
6 Others 22.49%
# categories as per Red Book (IAEA), 2009
Majority of these resources occur in following 3 uranium provinces.
(i) Singhbhum uranium province, located in the Eastern Region. All the deposits, presently
being exploited, such as Jaduguda, Narwapahar, Turamdih, and Bagjata occur in this
province. The other deposits in this belt are Mohuldih, Nandup, Rajgaon, andGaradih . All
these occurrences are of vein type.
(ii) Mahadek uranium province, located in the Northeastern Region. The
Cretaceous Mahadek Formation in Meghalaya contains the largest and richest sandstone-
hosted uranium deposit of the country at Domiasiat (KPM deposit) in West Khasi Hills district.
Another deposit of similar nature is at Wahkyn where exploration activities are in progress.
(iii) Cuddapah uranium province, located in the Southern and South Central Regions. It
contains the Proterozoic unconformity related uranium deposit at Lambapur-Peddagattu in
Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh. The Cuddapah basin also hosts a unique stratabound
uranium deposit associated with siliceous dolostone at Tummalapalle in Cuddapah district,
Andhra Pradesh.
Current & Future Programme
Efforts are underway to augment the uranium resource base of the country by expediting
exploration inputs in following geological domains. Airborne Time Domain Electromagnetic
surveys have been introduced in a big way in the uranium exploration programme of the country.
More than 400 000 km of airborne geophysical surveys, including TDEM, Gamma-ray
spectrometric and magnetic surveys, are proposed to be carried out over potential Proterozoic
Basins of India. An ambitious programme to drill about 700 000 m in potential target areas of the
country has already been formulated in order to augment national uranium resources.
1. Proterozoic basins: Nearly 33% of world uranium resources are found in the Proterozoic
rocks. Particularly the unconformity contact zones between the Lower Proterozoic rocks with
those of Middle-Upper Proterozoic ages have been the prime locales for the Uranium
mineralisation. In India, a number of Proterozoic basins such as (i) Cuddapah basin, Andhra
Pradesh (ii) Aravalli-Delhi fold belt, Rajasthan (iii) Gwalior-Vindhyan basin, Madhya Pradesh
(iv) Bhima basin, Karnataka (v) Chhattisgarh basin in Chhattisgarh & Orissa exist where
multidisciplinary investigations have been taken up insearch
of unconformityrelated uranium deposits.
2. Phanerozoic basins: Similarly nearly 18% of world
uranium resources are associated with Phanerozoic
sandstones. In India too, the Phanerozoic sandstones,
particularly the Cretaceous basin of Meghalaya has been one
of the main targets for uranium exploration. One deposit has
already been established and the entire basin has been
considered as one of the thrust areas for uranium
investigation. Other Phanerozoic basins considered potential are (i) Siwalik basin of the
Himalayas, (ii) Gondwana basins of Central India.
3. Fe-oxide breccia type deposits: Particularly after the discovery of the Olympic Dam deposit
in Australia which alone constitutes 31% of world uranium resources (RAR+EAR under <US
$40/Kg U category - as per WNA publication), attention has been given worldwide to look for
uranium mineralisation elsewhere in similar geological environment. In Indian scenario, such
environments exist in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Jharkand and Meghalaya where investigations
have been initiated with this objective.
4. Quartz pebble conglomerate deposits: Known Quartz-pebble conglomerate (QPC) type of
U-deposits constitute 13% of total world uranium resources. They occur as basal Lower
proterozoic beds unconformably lying above Archaean basement rocks. In India such
environments are observed at a number of places like Walkunji in South Kanara District and
Arbail in North Kanara district in the Western Ghat Belt, Karnataka, Dhanjori and Iron basins of
Singhbhum district, Jharkand and Sundergarh district, Orissa. Based on the number of anomalies
located in these areas survey has been intensified for locating QPC type of deposits.
5. Vein and Metasomatic type deposits: In recent past, Metasomatic/ vein type mineralisation
associated with albitite type of rocks emplaced in tectonised domains have been located in many
parts of globe particularly in Russia and Kazakhastan. They owe their origin to both magmatic
and metasomatic processes. Such geological set up also exists in India particularly in parts of
Rajasthan (Aravallis) and Andhra Pradesh. Extensive efforts are being pursued for locating such
desposits.
Rare Metals include Niobium (Nb), Tantalum (Ta), Lithium (Li), Berylium (Be), Cesium (Cs)
etc. and Rare Earths include Lanthanum (La) to Lutecium (Lu) and Yttrium (Y). These metals
are strategic in nature with wide application in the nuclear and other high tech industries such as
electronics, telecommunication, information technology, space, defence etc. RMRE group of
AMD has been carrying out investigations for the last five decades in favourable geological
environments to establish the resource base of these metals. Important minerals of these metals
are beryl (Be), lepidolite (Li), spodumene (Li), amblygonite (Li), columbite-tantalite (Nb-Ta),
pyrochlore (Nb) and xenotime (Y and REE).
Occurrence
The minerals beryl, columbite-tantalite, lepidolite, spodumene, amblygonite etc. generally occur
in the pegmatite belts in different states of India viz. Rajasthan, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Pyrochlore occurs in carbonatite
complexes whereas Xenotime occurs in the riverine placers in Central India.
The metal content of such indian minerals are as follows:
1 Beryl 10 - 13 % BeO
2 Columbite-Tantalite 26 - 80 % Nb
2
O
5

6 - 70 % Ta
2
O
5

3 Lepidolite 3 - 5 % Li
2
O
4 Spodumene 4 - 6% Li
2
O
5 Ambligonite 8 - 10% Li
2
O
6

Xenotime 32 - 40% Y
2
O
3

18 - 19% HREE


Click here to see the Important localities of RMRE occurrences located by AMD
Recovery Operations
Small scale recovery operations (3 - 5 tonnes per annum) are carried out by AMD to recover
columbite-tantalite mineral from pegmatite
gravels. Columbite-tantalite is heavy (sp.
gravity 5.3 - 7.8 ) and therefore gravity
separation is being used to separate it from
the other pegmatitic minerals such as
quartz and feldspar which are light (sp.
gravity 2.8). Several recovery plants were
set-up in Bihar Mica Belt and Bastar-
Malkhangiri Pegmatite Belt for the
recovery of columbite-tantalite. In addition, at Marlagalla, Mundur and Arehalli in Karnataka,
recovery plants were set-up for the recovery of columbite-tantalite with spodumene as co-
product. Beryl, which occurs in these pegmatites is generally hand sorted and recovered, based
on colour, lustre and hexagonal crystalline form.
At present these operations are being carried out in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh and Jharsuguda
district, Orissa.

Xenotime, the Y and REE bearing phosphate mineral, is associated with riverine placers in Siri
River and Deo River in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand respectively. Xenotime is a heavy
mineral (Sp. gravity 4.5) associated with sands (quartz and feldspar) in the rivers traversing
Chhotanagpur Gneissic Complex. The other heavy minerals include monazite, zircon, ilmenite,
magnetite, garnet etc. along with some amount of columbite.
Presently xenotime is not being investigated and the material recovered from earlier operations
has been stockpiled in departmental godowns.
Purchase of Rare Metal Minerals
The Atomic Minerals Directorate purchases tantalum, niobium and beryllium ores as well as Nb-
Ta bearing residues, generated by tin plants, analysing > 50% (Nb+Ta)
2
O
5
at the prices fixed
vide notification No.12/2(3)/2007-I&M(AMD)/27 & 28 dated 14-05-2008.
Sale of Lepidolite
A limited stock of lepidolite (lithium mineral) available with AMD is earmarked for sale as per
the terms and conditions stipulated in the DAE notification No.9/1/92-AMD(R&D) dated
06.12.1993.

In the nuclear power programme of the country, uranium plays
the key role. The first stage of three-stage programme of the
Department is based on PHWRs which are fuelled by natural
uranium. The second stage envisages utilization of plutonium
produced in the first stage and the third stage is based on
thorium fuel. Therefore, apart from uranium, AMD has also
been engaged in locating
and evaluating the
mineral resources of
thorium and other
nuclear raw materials,
such as zirconium,
beryllium, lithium, etc.
required for implementing the above programme. These
minerals, such as ilmenite, rutile (titanium minerals),
zircon (zirconium mineral), monazite (thorium and REE
mineral) along with garnet and sillimanite, occur abundantly along the eastern and western
coastal plains of the country as well as in some inland placers of Tamil Nadu, Bihar and West
Bengal. Amongst these, ilmenite, rutile, zircon and monazite are grouped as prescribed
substances under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. AMD has the mandate to explore and evaluate
the resources of these minerals. Of the nearly 6000 km. coastal length of the country nearly one
third has been explored so far and a large tonnages of these minerals established.



Uses
The beach sand and inland placer minerals find wide application in both atomic energy and other
industries. The salient uses of these minerals are:
Ilmenite: It is a source mineral for titanium. It is used in garter springs of a nuclear reactor
and as titanium pigment, titanium metal, and sand blasting
Rutile: titanium pigment, titanium metal, welding rod flux
Leucoxene: titanium pigment, welding rod flux
Zircon: Zircalloys as cladding material for nuclear fuel, opacifier/ pigments for ceramics,
refractories, zirconium metal production, abrasives
Monazite: source for thorium, rare earth elements
Garnet: Abrasives
Sillimanite: Refractories
Resources
There are 27 deposits of beach sand and inland
placer minerals identified so far along the
coastline and inland placers of India. The total
resourcesestablished in these deposits are given in Table.
Policy Resolution on Beach Sand Minerals
Considering the large resource base of these minerals and growing demand for their value added
products it was decided by the Government to allow Private Sector participation in this highly
capital intensive field. Accordingly, DAE has issued Policy Resolution, 1998allowing
participation of entrepreneurs in
(i) Mining and Mineral separation
(ii) Value addition per se to the products of (i) above
(iii) Integrated activities (Comprising both (i) and (ii) above)
Executive Summaries
Various summary and detailed reports on beach sand mineral deposits are now made available to
entrepreneurs on payment basis at a cost which will be intimated on specific request. The list of
executive summaries currently available for sale are given in Table.
The reports on any other area, not listed above, can be generated by AMD on specific request.
Details of Approved Mine Plans pertaining to Private Enterprises in Tamil Nadu
Airborne Surveys
The significance of airborne radiometric and airborne magnetic (AM) surveys in prospecting for
atomic minerals was recognised by AMD as early as 1955 when the survey was undertaken by
hiring a Dakota aircraft with indigenously designed and fabricated Total Count system on board.
In 1972 the total count system was replaced with in-house designed high sensitivity Airborne
Gamma Ray Spectrometer and Proton Precession Magnetometer fitted on the hired Dakota
aircraft.
The continuous hardware upgradation and refinement of
the data acquisition, processing and interpretation
capabilities resulted in the development of high
sensitivity Notebook PC-based gamma ray spectrometer
with larger NaI
(Tl) detector
crystals. From
1997 till 2002,
this unit, interfaced with Cs-vapour magnetometer and
Global Positioning System, was flown by hiring
Beechcraft B-200 aircraft of National Remote Sensing
Agency. The Flight line interval ranged from 500 to 2000
meters.
In 2003 heliborne EM survey was carried out by
outsourcing the operation to NGRI (National
Geophysical Research Institute) with their instruments.
The flight line interval was 250 meters.
Calibration pads as per IAEA standards were constructed, at Nagpur airport for calibration of
spectrometer and calculation of system sensitivities and stripping ratios. This is the only facility
in the entire southeast Asia. Two test strips of natural terrain, located at Devarkonda, Nalgonda
dist, Andhra Pradesh and at Malharbodi, Bhandara dist., Maharashtra, were identified. These are
being used for the determination of height attenuation coefficients for each of the radioelements
and total gamma radioactivity.
Digital image processing techniques were
customized to generate images from theairborne
geophysical (AGRS & AM) data as well as for
enhancing georeference images and integration of
the derived information with other data
sets. Radioelemental and total magnetic intensity
contour maps and images are generated based on
corrected and processed data. These images are useful to study the distribution of U, Th and K
with respect to ground geology. A composite Ternary image of K-Th-U by assigning R-G-B
colours depicts better ground geology and helps in refining geological maps particularly in
granitic terrain. The softwares used to generate outputs are Golden Software Surfer, ERDAS
Imagine, Ilwis and ENVI.
The outputs are being utilised for atomic minerals exploration, in locating uranium, beach and
inland heavy mineral placer deposits, geological mapping and environmental monitoring. Such
surveys over Krishna-Godavari, Cauvery and South Rewa Gondwana Basins were taken up, on
contract, for the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation in the Exploration of hydrocarbons. Aero-
radiometric surveys were also carried out by AMD over Madras Atomic Power Plant (MAPP) at
Kalpakkam and Rajasthan Atomic Power Plant
(RAPP) at Kota for monitoring the environmental
radiation.
AMD has covered an area of about 5.365 lakh
sq. km (till March 2004) by high sensitivity
AGRS and AM surveys. The contour maps,
digital images and processed data are available
with AMD headquarters, Hyderabad. AMD
dedicates these efforts to those scientists,
engineers and pilots, who while exploring new
horizons, did not return during 1962 & 1977
A catalogue of AGRS survey data and maps
prepared in this regard are available at AMD headquarters, Hyderabad.
Remote Sensing
The organization has well equipped remote sensing
laboratories with opto-mechanical instruments,
digital image processing systems, scanners, printers,
plotters and expertise in processing, enhancements,
Geo-referencing, interpretation and thematic map
generation.
The remote sensing data inputs include B&W aerial
photographs, hard copies and transparencies of FCC
satellite images and digital data of various satellite
sensors like IRS-WIFS, LISS-II, LISS-III, PAN,
LANDSAT-MSS, TM and SPOT-VHRR. Golden
Software Surfer, ERDAS Imagine, ILWIS and ENVI
Softwares are used for the image generation and
enhancement. All the Regional Headquarters are
equipped with remote sensing laboratories.
Geographic Information System
Spatial database creation of atomic minerals exploration is being carried out for data storage,
retrieval, integration, analyses, thematic map generation and target area identification. The
spatial database being created includes geological maps, lithostructural maps, AGRS & AM
contour maps and images, detailed ground uranium exploration maps, litho-, pedo- and hydro-
geochemical maps and enhanced satellite images. The digital maps are stored in ArcView Shape
file format along with attribute data. The software used are ESRI ArcGIS Desktop and
Workstation, AutoCAD, Golden Software Surfer, ERDAS and ENVI.
Geophysical techniques have been integral part of uranium exploration programme of the
organization, particularly in delineating subsurface structures and geology, having bearing on ore
localization. Some of the areas where these techniques have been effectively applied in
establishing continuity of mineralisation are parts of Singhbhum shear zone, Jharkhand; Rohil-
Ghateshwar area, Sikar district, Rajasthan; Umra area, Udaipur district, Rajasthan; Arbail area,
North Kanara district, Karnataka; and in Bhima basin, Gulbarga district,
Karnataka.
Methods and equipments available
a) Field equipment
The various ground geophysical equipments
presently available in AMD for field use are listed
below.
i) Gravity meter (Sodin make)
ii) Total field proton magnetometer (ELSEC, EG&G
and SCINTREX make)
iii) Cesium magnetometer (Scintrex make)
iv) Gradiometer (Scintrex make)
v) Resistivity/ Induced Polarization (IP) equipment
(IPR-10, IGS-4 both Scintrex make & IPV-2 Phoneix make)
vi) Digital Self-Potential (SP) meter (Indigenously made)
vii) Electromagnetic (TURAM) equipment (Scintrex make)
viii) Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) equipment (EM-37 System, Geonics make) for ground survey
ix) Very Low-frequency (VLF, Scintrex make)
x) Slingram and horizontal loop EM (Scintrex make)
Ancillary instruments
xi) Global Positioning System (GPS, 12 channel ML-150 Micrologic)
xii) Theodolite (Nikon and Wild make)
xiii) Transreceivers (Realistic, Panasonic & Motorola make)
b) Laboratory equipment
Instruments to measure physical properties of rocks in the laboratory are listed below.
i) Magnetic Susceptibility meter (Helmholtz coil set-up for laboratory & portable Terra Science make
for in-situ measurements)
ii) Conductivity meter (PELICON PRODUCTS TORRANCE, USA)
iii) Density meter (Walker & Steel balance, Indian make) and precision electronic balance.
Available Softwares
The group is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art software packages for processing of various
geophysical data sets. Some of them are developed in-house and others purchased from abroad.
a) Software developed in-house
i) MAGPROS: Developed using FORTRAN for gravity and magnetic data processing.
ii) GMINV: An inversion software for gravity and magnetic data (2D) to obtain source parameters.
iii) EXPFIT: A DOS based software written in FORTRAN for interpretation of secondary IP effects.
b) Software purchased from abroad
i) GEOSOFT : This software package, in both DOS and WINDOW versions, was purchased from
Geosoft, Canada for gravity and magnetic data processing. Also, forward Modelling of the profile
data is included in GMSYS.
ii) OASIS MONTAJ: This is the Windows version of the GEOSOFT software package currently being
used for aeromagnetic data processing.
iii) RESIX IP 2DI V4: This software package, purchased from Interprex Pvt. Ltd., USA, is available for
processing of 2D resistivity and IP data.
iv) EM VISION: This software package, purchased from ENCOM Technology, Australia is available for
analyses and Modelling of TEM data.
Four decades of Geophysical
Exploration Activity in AMD
a) Ground Geophysical Surveys
So far, uranium exploration has relied
predominantly on radiometric techniques as a
direct detection process. However, as uranium resources near the surface have more or less been
discovered, emphasis is presently shifted to explore deeper resources with non-radiometric
geophysical techniques as potential tool. During the last four decades, the geophysics group of AMD
has been actively involved in applying the non-radiometric geophysical techniques in geologically
favourable terrains in different parts of the country for exploration of uranium. Nearly 2600 sq.km.
area have been covered so far by various types of geophysical
surveys in the country in different terrainconditions.
Areas where geophysical survey has been successfully utilized
are (a) Singhbhum shear zone, Jharkand (b) Rohil -
Ghateshwar area, Sikar district, Rajasthan, (c) Umra area in
Udaipur district, Rajasthan, (d) Gogi area in Bhima basin,
Gulbarga district, Karnataka, (e) Arbail area in North Kanara
district, Karnataka.
b) Airborne Geophysics
Airborne magnetic data are acquired every
time AGRS surveys is undertaken on any defined area.
These airborne data are being processed and interpreted
using state-of-the-art softwares and the product generated
are generally high quality colour images that make visualization and interpretation more
realistic. Data pertaining to nearly 5 lakhs sq. km of area has been processed so far.
Atomic Minerals Data Centre (AMDC) is responsible to meet all the IT related needs of the
Directorate. The major activities of the group are as follows.
AGRS Data processing
In its earlier incarnation as Central Data Processing Unit (CDPU), established approximately 30
years back, the center started developing computer programmes for processing Airborne Gamma
Ray Spectrometry (AGRS) data, generated from routine AGRS survey conducted by the
Directorate. The data processing technique developed by the group is in conformity with IAEA
Technical Reports Series No.323 published in 1991. Various computer programmes/ softwares
and their objectives developed in this regard are as follows:
Sl.No.
Software
developed
Objectives Category
1. MCA MCA spectrum peak finding/fixing and
integration of MCA data for K, U, Th
windows
Quality Control
2. Velpro Validation of Fiducial markings
3. RAWPRINT Verification of record length and applying
corrections
4. BGCAL Computation of calibration parameters
(Background, Attenuation coefficients,
stripping factors and system sensitivities)
from test strip and test pad data.
Systems calibration
5. ATTNCOEFF
6. COMPTONCOEFF
7. VALID Filtration of K, U, Th and total data for
errors/jitters
Data processing
8. CNC Background, Compton (interchannel) and
height correction for K, U & Th.
9. GRID Gridding of AGRS data
10. PARMWISE Calculation of basic parameters (U, Th, K,
Total & Magnetic) and ratio parameters
(U/Th, U/K & Th/K)
11. CONTOUR Presentation of grid data in contour map
and colour images
Data presentation
12. PROFILE
Different steps undertaken to process the
AGRS data are presented pictorially in the
figure. Nearly 15 GB data from
approximately 7,00,000 line km of flying
is presently available in the data library.
Database development
Database development is another major
field, the center is mostly engaged
in. Beginning with a modest development
of a database (LOGIC-D) for borehole
logging data and (INDUGEO) for U-
occurrences in India, the group is
presently involved in collecting,
classifying, synthesising and storing data
in databases for easy retrieval. The
geoscience database on atomic mineral
exploration was designed and developed
in paradox software at AMD headquarter,
Hyderabad. The same was deployed at all
regional centers where database is being
populated. Works are at hand for design
and development of geoscience database in oracle under 3-tier architecture.
In addition, a number of utility databases have also been developed for various in-house
applications.
Local & Wide Area Network
AMDC presently operates a network of computer comprising a number of network servers with
operating systems such as Windows NT, LINUX and AIX. Through ISDN connectivity
communication between headquarter and various regions is established. This facility is in use on
regular basis for exchange of reports, maps, research papers, and other information between
various units of AMD.
Web designing
AMDC has been entrusted with the task of
design, development, promotion and updating of
AMD's website depicting all the activities of
AMD. It is responsible for updating all the
information on the site on a regular basis.
Anunet
Data center is actively collaborating in the VSAT
based ANUNET project of DAE. ANUNET provides satellite-based communication between
all major centers of DAE. It has two data channel and a voice channel. To provide seamless
voice connectivity, EPABX exchange of AMD has been configured with ANUNET. AMD
library server is also connected to LAN and ANUNET. Data center has provided network and
ANUNET connectivity to its server. Users can browse library information for their routine
requirements.
A video conferencing system has been setup to communicate between various DAE units using
VSAT based connectivity. Data encryption technique is being used for secure communication
during video-conference.
Map digitisation and data integration using GIS
Digitisation of geological maps and its integration with spatial data has been one of the major
works taken up by the data center since 1997. The digitised maps are being used for exploration
activities and geo-technical investigations. Nearly fifty maps in various scale have so far been
digitized covering large areas of the country. Spatial databases for Geochronological and
Geotechnical data have been created and integrated with the geological maps using GIS
packages.
In the survey and exploration programme of atomic minerals, the role of a laboratory is very
vital. Every field geologist requires assistance from various laboratories almost at every stage of
his activity right from the beginning of reconnaissance radiometric survey till the deposit is
proved. To make the Directorate self-sufficient, various laboratories with state-of-the-art
technology have been set up at AMD headquarter and at regional centers. They not only provide
useful information to the field units but also design, develop, fabricate and maintain many of the
instruments required in the exploration programme.
While in each Region there is a Physics, Chemistry and Petrology laboratory, in the Headquarter
at Hyderabad, there are other laboratories also often functioning as a Group, viz.
Mineralogy-Petrology-Geochronology Group
Petrology Laboratory
X-Ray diffraction laboratory
Electron microprobe laboratory
X-Ray fluorescence laboratory
Spectrograph laboratory
Geochronology laboratory
Radiation Standards and Analysis Group
Radiometric assay (Physics) Laboratory
Neutron activation laboratory
Instrumentation Group
Chemistry Group
Mineral Technology laboratory
Drilling is a key performance indicator of any exploration activity. Drilling for uranium was first
started by AMD on contract during 1951 at Jaduguda in Jharkhand soon after discovery of
uranium mineralisation there. Subsequently, following discovery of mineralisation in other
geological environments, drilling rigs were procured. Although the strength of rigs reached 57
during early nineties, it has reduced to 37 now and
additional requirements are met by
outsourcing. Till February 2005, AMD has drilled about
1370 km in different terrains to prove uranium
resources by departmental drilling. Deepest drilling,
down to 1200 meter depth, was done at Jaduguda in
Singbhum shear zone, Bihar.
There are 49 drilling engineers and 256 technical
personals working in different capacities.
The drilling rigs available in AMD are of Indian make
(LT, Voltas, Rockdrill, Drillmax, Mincore etc.).
Apart from uranium exploration, AMD has also taken
up drilling in some important national projects on behalf
of BARC, NPCIL and NGRI. The organization is
competent to undertake drilling operations in various geological environments and difficult field
conditions.