New Minerals Found in Kerala

New Minerals Found in Kerala

29 August 2013
Kerala

A detailed survey of the coastal areas in Kollam and Alappuzha districts by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research under the Department of Atomic Energy, was revealing. It found that the mineral sand occurring between Neendakara and Kayamkulam Bar (the Chavara barrier beach and the eastern extension) over a length of 22 km with a width of 225 metres was one of the best in the world because of high titanium dioxide content in the mineral ilmenite. It is now the most important ore of titanium.

And titanium dioxide is a white pigment used more and more in paints as lead paint is considered a health hazard. In fact, the largest percentage (up to 95 per cent) of worldwide use for titanium is for the production of this white pigment. It has great lustre, good endurance, high opacity (it hides whatever is under it, which is important for paint) and a pure white colour. The pigment is also used to provide colour for rubber, plastics, textiles, ink, cosmetics, leather, ceramics and paper.

The reserve of total heavy mineral in the Chavara barrier beach is 127 million tonnes with ilmenite content of 80 mt from the total reserve of raw sand of the order of 1,400 mt. In the northern portion beyond Kayamkulam pozhi, extending up to Thottapalli in Alappuzha district, the reserve of total heavy mineral sand is of the order of 17 mt with ilmenite content of nine million tonnes from a raw sand of reserve of 242 mt.

Source– http://www.thehindubusinessline.com

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