CM asks APMDC to take up an
in-depth scientific study on the exploitation and use of recently found
Fullerene metal in the Barytes mines
Hyderabad|India|October'2008: Chief Minister Dr.Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy
directed the MD, APMDC to take up an in-depth scientific study on the
exploitation and use of recently found Fullerene metal in the Barytes mines of
Mangampet in Kadapa district. He hoped that A.P.would soon become a destination
of Nano materials.
Professor of Geophysics, Osmania University Mr. Y.Sridhar Murthy, who made
investigations in to the findings, met the Chief Minister along with the
officials of Mines & Geology department and made a presentation to the Chief
Minister confirming the availability of this rare mineral. He said that this
type of mineral is not available any where in the world except in Russia. It has
many unique uses that can bring revolutionary changes in the areas like
Aerospace, health, solar power, Nano technology etc. Further it is 250 times
tougher and 10 times lighter than steel. Because of its tough and light nature,
it is more useful in making bullet proof jackets. He said it is more costly than
Gold. A 10 gram Fullerene would cost between 23,000 dollars to 45,000 dollars
(almost 150 times more than the Gold cost).
Pursuant to the article published in a journal of Geological Society of India in
January 2007, by Mr.K.S.Mishra & others of GSI on occurrence of Fullerene
Shungite suite rock in Mangampet area of Kadapa district, the AP Mineral
Development Corporation contacted different organizations to take up detailed
study including organizations like GSI, NGRI, ISM etc, besides many
Universities.
The APMDC which has been granted Mining Lease for Barytes in Mangampet village
of Obulavaripalle Mandal, Kadapa district over an extent of 162 Hects. This area
contains 74 Million Tons of Barytes available from 5 Mts to 180 Mts depth which
consists of white shale and black shale in the ratio of 1:3. The Black Shale
reserves are estimated to be around 300 million tons. The scientific
investigations which are on progress are proving that this black shale consists
of fullerene. Fullerene is the basic material for the development of Nano
Technology on which the future development in the Science & Technology is based.
Secretary, Industries Ms.Y.Sri Lakshmi, Director, Mines & Geology, Mr.V.D.Raja
Gopal were present.
