Results of the preliminary exploration and analysis to trace deposits of Uranium and Thorium atop the Rasimalai in Karuthamalai Reserve Forest (RF) in the district has come as a big boost to the Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) for Exploration and Research, a unit of the Department of Atomic Energy) of Southern Region, as it has been decided to extend the operations for one more year.
The AMD (Southern Region) has planned to continue its exercise on the hill in Karuthamalai RF under Odugathur Forest Range on the outer area of Jawadhu Hills. “The AMD has sought the permission of Forest department to continue its exploration for a period of 12 months till September 2013, to collect more samples from the hilltop for further study,” said a source in forest department.
After its aerial survey, held from 1989 to 1991 and qualitative assessment through satellite geo-mapping, the AMD had taken up the first phase of the exploration to collect samples to study the quality and quantity of the minerals from September 2011 to September 2012. The exploration was taken up to meet its prime objective to discover mineral deposits for the country’s atomic energy power programmes.
A team of scientists and experts from AMD had camped on the foothills and collected samples after drilling 10 holes, varying from 160 to 230 metres deep. Process is under way to drill more boreholes using modernised rigging machines. Samples have been to their research centre in Bangalore, sources said.
Based on the positive outcome of the preliminary extraction and studies the AMD has decided to extend the sample collection for further scientific analysis, said forest department sources. “The officials attached to the AMD had approached the forest department seeking its permission to drill 10 to 15 more holes in different parts to collect more samples,” said a senior official in the forest department.
The Vellore District Forest Department has sent the AMD’s proposal to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest in Chennai for approval. “The AMD will get the approval before their first tenure of exploration activity that ends on September 13, 2012,” he added. The forest department has clearly stated that the study should not harm the natural environment. The drilling, setting of fire and cutting of trees have been prohibited.
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