The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is committed to identify 12 mineral blocks in the country by the end of March, according to M Raju, Director General of GSI.

Addressing presspersons in Mangaluru on Thursday, he said that GSI is in the process of studying certain mineral blocks in the entire country.

Stating that it is in the different stages of mineral investigation, he said GSI is committed to identify and give 12 blocks to the government during the current field season (April-March).

Asked about the minerals that are being studied, he said there are commodities such as iron ore, manganese, copper and coal. Governments can go for auctions of these blocks once the study is completed, he said.

GSI is planning to identify 30 blocks for the next field season beginning in April 2017, he said.

Highlighting the performance of GSI’s marine division, he said one of the most advanced research vessels of GSI – r.v. Samudra Ratnakara – was commissioned in 2013. Other vessels such as Samudra Kaustubh and Samudra Shaudhikama are in operation since 1984.

GSI has proposed to buy a vessel that can conduct geo-technical survey by drilling 30 metres into the seabed.

Stating that the government has approved a proposal to buy a vessel to conduct geo-technical survey, he said it is in the tendering process now.

He said that Samudra Ratnakara has 27 instruments on board for research. Over and above, the proposed vessel will have the additional facility of drilling. At present, that is not available in other research vessels of GSI.

The proposed vessel will be used in coastal zones where the depth of water column will be a maximum of 60 metres. The proposed vessel can drill up to 30 metres into the seabed, he added.

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