ITANAGAR, May 14: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found rich deposits of graphite in Arunachal Pradesh, and it says that the state could become a leading producer of graphite.
“Thirty-five percent of the country’s total graphite deposits are found in the state,” disclosed the GSI during an annual interaction meeting of its officials here on Tuesday.
Graphite is a crystalline form of carbon. It is used in pencils and lubricants. Its high conductivity makes it useful in electronic products such as electrodes, batteries, and solar panels.
India fulfills its graphite requirements by importing it from 74 countries.
The GSI also informed the meeting about the status of various mineral deposits in different parts of the state.
Geology & Mining Secretary Bidol Tayeng emphasized the need for carrying out large-scale mining operations along the Sino-India border.
According to reports, China has already begun large-scale mining operations on its side of the border with Arunachal Pradesh, where a huge trove of gold, silver and other precious minerals, valued at about US $60 billion, has been found.
Tayeng said the development of a road along the border would be a boon for exploration of minerals in the international border.
The state officials present at the meeting urged the GSI to provide the technical know-how required for exploring minerals.
The meeting also discussed the survey and drilling activities carried out by the GSI in different parts of the state, and its findings.
The meeting was attended by the GSI’s Itanagar Deputy Director General TL Shitiri and other officials from the state geology & mining department and the GSI.
