Discovery of Ni-Cu-PGE Deposit in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund District | Chhattisgarh | 07 Aug 2025
Why in News?
A significant deposit of Nickel, Copper, and Platinum Group Elements (Ni-Cu-PGE) has been discovered in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, India.
Key Points
- About: Deccan Gold Mines Limited (DGML) was granted a 30 sq km Composite Licence for the Bhalukona-Jamnidih block in Chhattisgarh, allowing exploration and mining, with ongoing exploration showing promising results.
- A 700-meter-long mineralized zone has been identified within mafic-ultramafic rock formations.
- Geophysical surveys show the presence of sulphide mineralization extending up to 300 meters in depth, indicating substantial resource potential.
- Exploration Process: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) had conducted G4-level exploration in the region and identified promising traces of Nickel, Chromium, and PGEs.
- The findings were later validated by the Chhattisgarh Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM), which facilitated an e-auction for the block.
- Significance: The discovery of critical minerals is expected to significantly advance the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, fostering self-reliance in key resources and supporting India's strategic goals for sustainable development and independence in vital sectors.
- The finding of minerals like Nickel and PGEs aligns with global trends toward green and high-tech technologies, providing essential materials for future innovation and industrial growth.
Chhattisgarh’s Mineral Auction
- The state has successfully auctioned 51 mineral blocks, including key blocks with resources like Graphite, Nickel, Chromium, PGEs, Lithium, Glauconite, Phosphorite, Graphite-Vanadium.
- Additionally, six tin blocks are awaiting auction under the Union Ministry of Mines.
- The Chhattisgarh Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM) has established a Critical Mineral Cell to promote collaboration with academic, research, and industry institutions.
- This initiative aims to foster innovation and streamline the exploration of critical minerals.
Platinum Group Elements (PGEs)
- About: PGEs are a set of six metallic elements—platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), osmium (Os), and iridium (Ir).
- These elements typically occur together in mineral deposits, frequently associated with, or as by-products of, nickel and copper deposits found in mafic and ultramafic rocks.
- Major Ni-Cu-PGE deposits are mined in places like South Africa, Russia, and Canada.
- Importance: Ni-Cu-PGE deposits are globally significant due to their essential roles in various high-technology sectors.
- Nickel is vital for producing stainless steel and high-strength alloys, copper is crucial for electrical infrastructure, and PGEs are indispensable in the manufacture of catalytic converters (for pollution control in vehicles), electronics, medical equipment, and jewelry.
- Their strategic importance is only increasing as they are also fundamental components In electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies.