Bengal's Jhargram Set for Manganese Reconnaissance Survey
The West Bengal government has cleared a reconnaissance survey for manganese in Jhargram district, which could open up a new mineral zone. The joint exercise will be led by MOIL Limited and involve other organizations such as the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).
The field survey is scheduled to take place from September 15 to 19 and will cover several locations in Jhargram, including Simulpal and Labani. Geologists will collect geological information and soil samples to assess the nature and extent of mineralization.
However, environmentalists have raised concerns that mining could put pressure on fragile forests and forest-dependent livelihoods. Pravat Kumar Shit, an environmentalist and geographer, said that several locations fall within or close to forest-fringe landscapes and areas used by local communities.