Earth Technology

Gondwana coal deposits of India: Fueling growth Indian Gondwana Coal Basins Introduction The Indian Gondwana coal deposits are primarily found in the eastern and central parts of India, dating back to the Permian and Triassic periods. They are spread across several states in central and eastern India, primarily in the Damodar Valley Basin (Jharkhand and West Bengal), Mahanadi Basin (Odisha), Son-Mahanadi Basin (Chhattisgarh), Godavari Valley Basin (Telangana and Maharashtra), and Wardha Valley Basin (Maharashtra). These coal deposits are stratigraphically classified into several formations, including the Talchir, Barakar, Raniganj, and Kamthi formations. The coal-bearing strata are typically interbedded with sandstones, shales, and conglomerates, representing fluvial and lacustrine environments. These formations hold significant economic importance as they contain vast reserves of coal, contributing significantly to India's energy and growth needs. Geological Setting The ...

Using artificial intelligence (AI) in mineral exploration Introduction Mineral prospecting and exploration has historically been a laborious and costly works, requiring extensive geological knowledge, sophisticated technology, and substantial financial investment. However, with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), the landscape of mineral exploration is undergoing a profound transformation. AI technologies, including machine learning algorithms, neural networks, and data analytics, are increasingly being leveraged to analyze vast amounts of geological data, identify prospects and exploration targets, and optimize exploration strategies. This article explores the diverse applications of AI in mineral prospecting, mineral exploration, showcasing its effectiveness and discussing the implications for the industry.   Discussion Remote Sensing and Image Analysis Remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imagery and aerial surveys, provide valuable geologica...

 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...