Kolkata, Sept. 1 -- Another treasure trove beneath Bengal's soil is set to be unlocked - this time, vast manganese reserves in Jhargram. After ONGC's commercial crude oil production began at the Ashoknagar oilfield, the state is now eyeing another major mineral breakthrough that could add a new chapter to Bengal's resource story.
Sources said that the manganese reserves in Jhargram will undergo a formal assessment following official clearance for a comprehensive mineral exploration drive across multiple prospective belts in the region.
The Directorate of Mines & Minerals, Government of West Bengal already granted formal approval to examine the manganese-bearing areas, with fieldwork scheduled for September 15-19 this year. An official communication from the Directorate of Mines & Minerals confirmed that the competent authority evaluated and sanctioned the proposal for fieldwork.
The Directorate has written to the Chairman & Managing Director of Manganese Ore India Limited (MOIL) in Nagpur for a joint "reconnaissance survey/field investigation" in prospective manganese-bearing areas of Jhargram.
"Regarding permission for conducting a joint reconnaissance survey in and around Simulpal, Labani, Bhandarchua, Panchas Foot Khadan, Chauga Pahar, Hasa Dungri, Chaukisal Pahar, Karka, Begundiha, Birmandal and Banspahari areas of Jhargram District, I am directed to inform you that the proposal has been considered and approved by the competent authority," reads the letter.
The Directorate also noted: "Accordingly, MOIL Limited may proceed with the proposed joint reconnaissance/field investigation in coordination with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and Directorate of Mines & Minerals (DMM) & WBMDTCL with the objective of assessing the geological and mineral potential of the identified areas."
The communication outlined the participation protocol for the technical agencies involved in the fieldwork. GSI and IBM have been requested to nominate suitable officers/geologists to participate in the proposed field investigation.
Commercial production of crude oil at the ONGC field in Ashoknagar's Baigachhi, North 24-Parganas, began recently. The crude emerges from the well mixed with water. It is processed through separators and an effluent treatment plant before being transported to the refinery for further processing.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.