Uranium Reserves Unearthed in Himachal Pradesh
The scenic state of Himachal Pradesh, known for its lush mountains and serene valleys, harbors a hidden treasure—uranium deposits. The discovery of significant uranium reserves across various districts has sparked interest and excitement, promising potential energy resources for the future.
One of the richest finds is in the Kasha–Kaladi region, estimated to hold around 200 tonnes of triuranium octoxide. This amount is enough to produce 170 tonnes of uranium, making it a noteworthy site in India’s quest for energy resources.
The Atomic Mineral Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), part of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), recently revealed surface uranium deposits at Masanwal in Hamirpur district. This information was shared by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, and Prime Minister’s Office, in response to Rajya Sabha Member Sikander Kumar’s inquiry about newly discovered uranium sites, especially in Hamirpur and Una. However, the Centre has clarified that there are no current plans to set up a uranium treatment plant in the state.
The AMD’s exploration has identified uranium deposits in several locations: Rajpura in Una district, Kasha-Kaladi in Shimla district, and Tileli in Mandi district. These deposits collectively hold an estimated 784 tonnes of uranium oxide, divided among Rajpura (364 tonnes), Kasha-Kaladi (200 tonnes), and Tileli (220 tonnes). Earlier explorations had unearthed uranium in Lambehra village, Hamirpur district.
In the southeastern part of Shimla’s Rampur subdivision, the Kasha region in Nogli Valley shows promising signs of uranium mineralization. The remote Kashapath area in Rampur Bushehr, rich in minerals, remains largely unexplored due to its inaccessibility. Despite previous attempts by the government to exploit these resources, efforts were thwarted by a lack of transportation infrastructure. The mineral-rich deposits are embedded in highly sheared gneiss with bands of schists and phyllite, containing minerals like sericite, ilmenite, rutile, sphene, apatite, zircon, and tourmaline.
The discovery has not been limited to these areas. Anomalous radioactivity levels were detected near Ropa village in Kinnaur district, and small uranium deposits have been found in Batal and Wangtu, close to a key national highway leading to Kaurik in Kinnaur.
Among the states with uranium reserves, Himachal Pradesh ranks 10th, with Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Meghalaya taking the top spots. However, Kullu district, celebrated for its natural beauty, also boasts substantial uranium deposits across nine locations, including Chanjra and Dhara Kanola in Parbati Valley, and various sites in Banjar, Tirthan, and Pinrang Valleys.
This discovery of uranium in Himachal Pradesh not only highlights the state’s geological wealth but also underscores the need for infrastructure development to fully tap into these valuable resources. The newfound interest in these hidden treasures marks a significant step towards utilizing Himachal Pradesh’s potential to contribute to India’s energy future.
