Geology department collects INR 990.31 lakh from coal sector

DIMAPUR — The Department of Geology and Mining collected revenue of INR 990.31 lakh from the coal sector during 2022–23.

During the period, it granted 12 coal prospecting licenses, four coal mining leases, and coal royalty collection-cum-coal depot licenses to 11 firms, according to the appraisal work on mineral exploration conducted by the Directorate of Geology and Mining.

The department carried out G3 exploration of Shatuza Limestone Block I (Phase 1) in Phek district, with exploratory drilling beginning in October 2022. Four boreholes were drilled, totalling 221.35 metres, at the block, which is part of the Naga Hills Ophiolites and is located 2 km south of Shatuza village.

As per the report on coal exploration in the Melak-Tzurang Valley Coalfield, Mokokchung district, the G2 exploration of the Mongchen-Dibuia Coal Block (MDCB) achieved significant progress from July 2022 to July 2023.

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During this period, geological mapping covered an area of 1: 51 square kilometres at a 1:5000 scale, with 1,082.80 meters drilled across five boreholes. Three coal zones were encountered, and 29 samples were sent for chemical analysis at CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat.

In the Tuli-Yimchenkimong Coal Block (YMCB), the work accomplished between July 2022 and July 2023 included geological mapping of 18 square kilometres at a 1:2500 scale. A total of 1,165 meters was drilled across seven boreholes, and four  coal zones were delineated and 21 samples were sent to CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat, for analysis.

As per the appraisal of the reconnaissance mapping and delineation (G4 Level) of Waromung Coal Block, Melak-Tzurang Coalfield, at Mokokchung, the area mapped during the reconnaissance survey, three coal zones have been delineated and the coal resources of the Waromung Block are estimated to be about 21.1 million tonnes. It may be categorised under high sulphur coal, similar to the tertiary coal in the adjoining blocks.

The department mentioned that exploratory drilling, construction, and development of seven exploratory tube wells in Tseminyu, Mokokchung, Phek, Kohima, and Chümoukedima districts, including feasibility studies, litho-logging, and pumping tests, were carried out.

According to the report, the construction and development of two tube wells under deposit work in Mokokchung and Phek districts, including feasibility studies, litho-logging, and pumping tests, generated a total revenue of INR 4,52,961 from the tube well construction.

Meanwhile, a total of 313 water samples were analysed during the period 2022–23. The presence of iron, fluoride, manganese, turbidity, potassium, and sulphate above the Bureau of Indian Standards for drinking water was detected in some samples.

Additionally, 26 limestone samples from Noklak and Phek, three sandstone samples, and eight sand samples were analysed.