A tripartite agreement was signed between the Mineral Exploration Corporation (MECL), Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals (RSMML) and the Department of Mines & Geology (DMG), the government of Rajasthan for taking up feasibility studies of solution mining of potash in the state of Rajasthan.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) will pave the way to undertake feasibility studies for harnessing sub-surface salt deposits through solution mining, utilise Rajasthan’s mineral reserves, boost its economy and establish it as a hub of solution mining of potash.
This will be the first solution mining project in the country. The state has huge potash and halite resources spread across 50,000 sq km in the Nagaur-Ganganagar basin in the northwest.
GSI and MECL have established 2,476.58 million tonne and 21199.38 million tonne of potash & halite respectively.
Bedded salt formations are strategically useful for underground oil storage, repositories for hydrogen, ammonia and helium gas, storage of compresses gas and nuclear waste.
Moreover, potash & sodium chloride from the bedded salt are extensively used in the fertiliser industry and the chemical industry respectively.
MECL has been assigned as the programme manager for taking up feasibility study in the state with the help of an international consultant.
The project will generate employment as well as support the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan by way of generating import substitution by boosting domestic mineral production of potash and associated minerals.