Anantapur: The Geological Survey of India has started an aero geophysical survey in south India from the Puttaparthi airfield with the help of a consortium of Indian private companies and New Zealand-based Kiwi Air Ltd.
The multi-sensor aero geophysical survey will try to trace deposits of minerals such as uranium, gold, barytes, manganese and others in AP, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over four months.
Three aircraft from Kiwi Air along with six pilots and 30 engineers and technicians will be part of the team to conduct surveys.
As Rayalaseema and surrounding areas in the neighbouring states are known to have rich deposits of uranium, manganese, gold and even diamonds, the Geological Survey of India initiated the aero geophysical survey from Puttaparthi, which is located close to the Karnataka border.
Satyasai Trust member R.J. Ratnakar formally launched the survey at Puttaparthi.
The Geological Survey of India has been carrying out multi-sensor aero geophysical surveys in different geological terrains in the country since 1965 and has mapped minerals in more than 25 lakh sq km. Though the Geological Survey of India had conducted aero surveys through helicopters to find deposits of diamonds and other minerals, sources said this was the first time it was using aircraft based at a local airfield to get clarity about the deposits of various minerals.
Official sources revealed that in the first phase there would be magnetic radiometric surveys by project implementing agencies to identify mineral potential areas and to encourage private investments in exploration of minerals based on surveys.
It may be noted the Geological Survey of India had permitted private agencies to explore for gold in Kurnool district.
