Earth Technology

 India's Precambrian Iron Ore Deposits   Introduction India is blessed with significant iron ore resources, primarily associated with volcano-sedimentary Banded Iron Formations (BIF) of Precambrian age. Among the various types of iron ores found in India, hematite and magnetite are the most prominent, with hematite being particularly crucial due to its high-grade quality and lumpy nature, making it a preferred choice for steel and sponge iron industries. The bulk of iron ore resources are concentrated in states like Orissa, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Goa. Iron ore deposits of varying sizes are also found in states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan. Iron ore hillocks, showing open cast mining, in Bailadila region of Chhattisgarh state. Mineralogy of iron ores The mineralogy of iron ores varies widely depending on the geological processes that formed them, as well as their subsequent alteration and weathering. Understanding the ...

Comprehensive evaluation of coal quality: proximate and ultimate analysis along with gross calorific value Introduction Coal remains one of the most vital energy resources globally, playing a significant role in electricity generation, industrial processes, and heating applications. Understanding the quality of coal is paramount for efficient utilization and environmental sustainability. Proximate analysis, ultimate analysis, and gross calorific value assessment are fundamental techniques used in evaluating coal quality. This comprehensive analysis provides insights into the composition, combustion characteristics, and energy potential of coal. This article will discuss these methods, their significance, and their application in assessing coal quality.      Opencast coal mining Proximate Analysis Proximate analysis involves the determination of the basic components of coal, including moisture, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash content. These parameters...

  Sukinda Chromite Deposit of India Sukinda opencast chromite mine Introduction   The Sukinda chromite deposit, situated in the Jajpur district of Odisha, India, holds paramount significance as one of the chromite ore reserves globally. Chromium metal is extracted from chromite ore which is an oxide mineral composed of chromium, iron, and oxygen (FeCr 2 O 4 ). The chromite is a heavy mineral and it is concentrated through gravity separation from other molten material in the magma during the crystallization process. Chromite deposits are of two types: stratiform deposits and podiform deposits. The Sukinda chromite deposit belongs to stratiform type of deposits. Stratiform deposits  Stratiform deposits are large sheet-like bodies, usually formed in layered mafic to ultramafic igneous complexes. The Sukinda chromite deposits are of stratiform type. This type of deposit is used to obtain 98% of the worldwide chromite reserves. Stratiform deposits are the main source of ...