NATIONAL SEMINAR ON GOLD MINING IN INDIA : THE WAY FORWARD - Geological Society of India

NATIONAL SEMINAR ON
GOLD MINING IN INDIA : THE WAY FORWARD

                                               15-16 February, 2019
                                                  Dr. Thimmaiah
                                         Institute of Technology
                                           Oorgaum, Kolar Gold Fields

                          Organised By
           THE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA, Bengaluru
                              &
          DR. THIMMAIAH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, KGF
                          Supported by
    DEPARTMENT OF MINES AND GEOLOGY, Government of Karnataka

Gold Mining - Pan-Indian Scenario:
It has been 58 years since a Symposium on 'Gold Mining Industry in India' was
organized by the Geological Society of India at Bengaluru with a day long visit to
the Kolar Gold Fields(KGF) which was then the country's leading gold producer
with an annual produc on of 150,000 Ozs or 4.5 tonnes of gold. The
Symposium underscored that a robust gold mining industry in the country was
the need of the hour. In May 2009, the Geological Society of India organised the
2nd Na onal Seminar on 'Gold Industry in India: Resources, Reserves, Mining,
Metallurgy and Environment' wherein similar views were expressed
emphasizing the importance of gold mining industry in the Na on's Economy.
This issue is all the more relevant today not only to reduce the country's total
dependency on import of gold and the related Current Account Deficit but also
to create employment opportuni es to rural youth and those engaged in
Jewellery manufacturing.
Sadly, though not lacking in geological poten al and not with standing great
strides made in explora on in the last 58 years no new gold mine has come into
frui on. On the other hand the Kolar gold mines were closed down leaving
Hu Gold Mines as the only opera ng gold mine with an annual produc on of
less than 2 tonnes. It is in this backdrop, the Geological Society of India decided
to organize a two day Seminar followed by one day field excursion to Kolar Gold
Fields to discuss and draw a en on of the Central and State Governments to
the possibility of developing new gold mines and reviving the old ones do ng
the country.
The well known Neoarchaean Kolar Schist Belt (KSB) stands out, along with the
Hu Schist Belt in East Dharwar Craton, for World Class gold Deposits. Apart
from the main KGF which occupies the central part of the 100 km long Kolar
Schist Belt, there are many other sporadically mined gold prospects in the
northern and southern extensions of the KGF that have in recent mes been
intensively explored by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and private
companies. These include the Mallappakonda, Bisanatham, Chigaragunta
mines located in Andhra Pradesh; Maharajagadai prospect in Tamil Nadu in the
southern part of the KSB and Maniga a-Syagatur, Jaderi-Arikere,
Nayakanaha in the northern part of the KSB. Similarly, there are a number of
gold prospects in the Hu -Maski schist belt which have been brought to light
by the GSI. They await detailed prospec ng and Resource drilling. The Gadag
Gold Fields in the northernmost part of the Chitradurga Schist Belt contain
several gold occurrences and prospects which were mined in the past. Here
too a number of gold prospects iden fied by the GSI and private companies
await resource drilling. These include the Hosur-Champion, Yelishirur and
Venkatapura blocks in the western part of the belt; Sankatadodak block in the
east; and Kabuliyatka -A ka , Mysore and Sangli mines in the Central lode

system of the Gadag belt where M/s. Ramgad Minerals and Mining Ltd holds a
mining lease. The recent finding of gold reserves at Ganajur and Karajgi by M/s.
Deccan Gold Mines Ltd. in the Dharwar-Shimoga Belt along with spa ally
associated Chinmulgund prospect explored earlier by the GSI await
development into new gold mines. Jonnagiri Prospect in Andhra Pradesh
discovered and explored by the GSI and further drilled in detail by M/s
Geomysore services India(pvt) Ltd is currently being developed into a mine. A
number of gold prospects in Ramagiri schist belt including the Ramagiri mine in
AP State, operated earlier by M/s Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. await detailed
explora on and revival.
Northern Indian States too do not lag behind in gold resources. Baghmara
prospect in Sonakhan schist belt, Sonadehi Prospect in the Bailadila Sequence
and granite-hosted Prospect in Pathalgaon in Chha sgarh State; Pahardia
block in West Singhbum Dt. and Parasi block in Ranchi Dt., in Jharkhand State;
Pular-Marupar, Mokhabardi and Kolari gold prospects in Sakoli Fold belt in
eastern Maharashtra are among those awai ng detailed explora on. Similarly,
Bhukia-Jagpara gold deposits in Aravallis of Rajasthan have the poten al to be
developed as new mines.
The above brief review points to abundant resource poten al in the country for
development of new gold mines & revival of old ones to trigger a new Gold
Boom which will accrue immense socio-economic benefits to the indigent
community.

KGF - A Geotourism Hub
The KGF area is known for its ecological and social-cultural diversity. The
proposal of developing KGF as an educa onal Geotourism centre forming an
integral part of the larger Geo-park theme needs serious considera on by both
Central and State Governments. A museum showcasing aspects of ancient to
modern mining methods and objects would be a desirable a rac on to miners,
tourists and students. There are verdant green forests and semi-tribal
se lements, modern hor cultural ventures and admirable temple
architecture in and around KGF. Two Na onal Geological Monuments -
Peddapalli Pyroclas cs, Polymict Boulder Conglomerate and Pillow Lavas of
Virupakshipura are added a rac on to tourists and students.
The Seminar aims to obtain a realis c appraisal of the gold prospects in
different parts of the country for progressing them into mines, besides reviving
old mines and recovering gold from tailing dumps. The seminar further aims to
appraise the State and Central Governments as well as Private investors
regarding the immense business poten al of mineral explora on. Similarly the
discussions on the Geo-tourism theme would result in providing a model for
preserva on of mining heritage sites in the country.

THEMES

   1. GEOLOGY OF GOLD BEARING SCHIST BELTS & PROSPECTS: A
      review of the current knowledge
   2. CURRENT STATUS OF EXPLORATION AND RESOURCES: Reviews
      of Prospect-wise resources
   3. EMERGING TRENDS IN EXPLORATION, MINING & GOLD
      PROCESSING/ TECHNOLOGIES
   4. SETTING UP OF A MUESEUM AND GEOPARK IN KOLAR GOLD
      FIELDS
   5. UTILIZATION OF MINE WATER & TAILINGS

It is also planned to conduct a field excursion in Kolar Schist belt and visits to old
mines on the 17th February 2019.

Invita on For Scien fic Papers:
The Organizing Commi ee invites scien sts, planners and government
authori es to par cipate in the proposed seminar either by contribu ng
scien fic papers or as general delegates. Those desirous of presen ng a paper
may submit an abstract not exceeding 500 words by email on the above themes
in MS Word format using Times New Roman font (11 pts). The abstract should
include the tle, name of the author(s) and organiza on, address including e-
mail ID. They also should indicate the name of the presen ng author and mode
of presenta on - oral or poster. The abstracts will be published as a part of the
Souvenir volume. It is also planned to publish the proceedings of the Seminar
as a special Publica on of the Society and bring the recommenda ons of the
Seminar to the a en on of the Government of India, concerned State
Governments and other stake holders to press for implementa on.

Important Dates
        Abstract submission & Registra on          : 15th November2018
        Acceptance of Abstracts:                   : 30th November 2018
        Submission of Full papers                  : 15th January 2019
        Registra on of Delegates                   : 31st January 2019
        Registra on for Field Excursion            : 31st January2019
        Workshop Dates                             : 15-16 February 2019
        Field Excursion                            : 17th February 2019

Organiser
Geological Society of India, Gavipuram, Bengaluru
This Interna onally acclaimed Ins tu on, established in 1958 through the
efforts of Padma Shri Dr. B.P. Radhakrishna and his contemporaries, has been in
the forefront of suppor ng Earth Science issues in the country. The Society
organizes mee ngs, lectures and symposia on issues of geological interest. It is
best known for its flagship periodical- The Journal of Geological Society of
India, reputed for its scien fic merit, good cita on index and unflagging
periodicity. The year 2018-19 is significant for the Society as it celebrates 60
years of its Service to Indian & Interna onal Earth Scien sts.
THE HOST: Dr. T. Thimmaiah Ins tute of Technology (Dr. TTIT), Oorgaum,
Kolar Gold Fields
The Ins tute, formerly known as the Golden Valley Ins tute of Technology
(GVIT), was established in 1986 by Dr. T. Thimmiah, a former IAS officer and
Educa onist. The Ins tute is the first Engineering College in Kolar District. Dr.
Thimmiah was earlier instrumental in establishing both the School of Mines
and First Grade College at KGF in 1962 chiefly meant for the children of KGF
miners and rural popula on in the area. The Engineering Ins tu on ranks ninth
among 200 colleges under jurisdic on of Visvesvaraya Technological University
under the able guidance of Dr. T. Venkat Vardhan, President.

KGF- The Host Town :
The mining town at Kolar Gold Fields, once called the 'li le England' by
Bri shers for its salubrious climate and ambience, was established in 1880
subsequent to founding of a mine in the area by John Taylor III, the father of
modern gold mining in India. Ancient mining in the area has been carbon dated
to be older than 2500 years from the present. Gold coins cra ed from the gold
mined out of KGF have been discovered in relics at Harappa-Mohenjedaro.
The gold mines were the first in Asia to be electrified in Karnataka (old Mysore
State) with power generated and transmi ed from the Shivanasamudram
hydroelectric project located 140 km from the KGF. Once a thriving mining
town, KGF today is populated by descendants of old miners and suppor ng
staff. Dr. TTIT is situated on the fringes of the old mining town.

Accomoda on
Limited accommoda on is available for students/research scholars at the Dr.
Thimmaiah Ins tute. Hotel accommoda on is available in and around KGF and
can be booked online. Those who need assistance may contact the organisers.
Names of some hotels are given below and the tariff ranges from Rs. 1,000 -
2,400.
Padam Lodge, Robertsonpet
Ikon Residency, Robertsonpet
Silven Villa Hotel, 4 Kms from Dr. TTIT
S.N. Resorts, Bangarpet; 10 Kms from Dr. TTIT

SPONSORSHIP
 Diamond Sponsors          Rs. 200,000 - free registra on for 5 Delegates

 Gold Sponsors             Rs.100,000 - free registra on for 3Delegates

 Silver Sponsors           Rs. 50,000 - free registra on for 2 Delegates

         ADVERTISEMENTS in Sovenir/Abstract Volume
              Back Cover Page (colour)              : Rs. 25,000
              Inside Front & Back Covers (Colour)   : Rs. 20,000
              Full Page (Colour)                    : Rs. 15,000
              Full Page (B&W)                       : Rs. 10,000
              Half Page (B&W)                       : Rs. 5,000

                          REGISTRATION FEES:
General Delegate: Rs. 2000; accompanying Person: Rs. 1000
Free Registra on, Accommoda on and Food for Selected Students/scholars
applying 15 days prior to the workshop. Par cipants are required to pay the
registra on fee through a bank dra payable at Bengaluru/mul -city cheque
drawn in favour of Geological Society of India. The Registra on fee can also be
transferred through NEFT: Geological Society of India, SB A/c No.
0472101018742, Canara Bank, Hanumanthanagar Branch, Bangalore-
560019, IFSC Code: CNRB0000472. On site registra on will be accepted with
addi onal charge of Rs.500/-. Delegates interested in par cipa ng in the Field
Excursion have to pay an amount of Rs. 600/-. Student members have to pay
Rs. 300/-

NATIONAL SEMINAR ON
    GOLD MINING IN INDIA : THE WAY FORWARD
                              Registration Form
 Name (Block Le ers)

 Designa on

  Organisa on

 Mailing Address with
 Mobile & E-mail
  Title of the Paper (s)

   Type of Presenta on                Oral/Poster/A ending without Paper
  Accommoda on needed                 1. Silvan Villa: Rs. 1,500 to 2,400 + taxes
  (Yes/No), If yes,                   2. S.N. Resorts: Rs.1,000 to 1,500 + taxes
  please ck the op on                 3. Ikon Residency / Padam Lodge
 Par cipa on in Field Trip            Yes/No

 Kind of Sponsorship
 Registra on Fee Details
    Delegate Fee
    Accommpanying member
    Field Trip Fee
    Sponsorship Amount
   Total
  DD/Cheque/UTR No.
  With Date
Note: The amount can be paid through Electronic transfer to the account of
'Geological Society of India' SB A/c No.0472101018742, Canara Bank, Hanumanthanagar
Branch, Bangalore-560004, IFSC Code: CNRB0000472.

Date
Place                                                            Signature

Patrons
       Dr. Harsh K. Gupta                             Dr. T. Venkat Vardhan
President, Geological Society of India     President, Dr. T. Timmaiah Ins tute of Technology

                                         Conveners:
    Dr. V.N. Vasudev            Dr. H.M. Ramachandra                    Dr. Syed Ariff
                                                                        Principal, Dr. TTIT

                               Organising Secretaries:
 Dr. M. Venkataswamy                Shri. G.H. Kotnise               Shri. N. Rajendran
        9480317732                       9448643800                       9449819341

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