New Delhi: A tripartite agreement has been signed between Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals Limited (RSMML) and the Department of Mines & Geology (DMG), Government of Rajasthan for taking up feasibility studies of solution mining of potash in the state of Rajasthan. The MoU has been signed virtually in the presence of Union Minister for Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises Arjun Ram Meghwal and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot.
Speaking on the occasion Prahlad Joshi said "MoU will pave the way to undertake feasibility studies for harnessing sub-surface salt deposits through solution mining, utilize Rajasthan's rich mineral reserves, boost its economy and establish it as a hub of solution mining of potash, the 1st in the country."
Rajasthan has huge Potash and Halite resources spread across 50,000 sq. kms in the Nagaur – Ganganagar basin in the northwest. GSI and MECL have established 2,476.58 million tonnes and 21,199.38 million tonnes of Potash & Halite respectively. Bedded Salt formations are strategically useful for underground oil storage, repositories for hydrogen, ammonia and helium gas, storage of compressed gas and nuclear waste. Potash & Sodium Chloride from the Bedded Salt are extensively used in the Fertiliser Industry and the Chemical Industry respectively.
MECL has been assigned as the program manager for taking up the feasibility study in the state with the help of an international consultant. Paving the way for the 1st Solution Mining project in the country, this project will generate employment as well as support the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan by way of generating import substitution by boosting the domestic mineral production of Potash and associated minerals.
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