The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) under the Department of Atomic Energy is conducting heli-borne geophysical surveys over the parts of Belgaum, Bagalkot and Bijapur districts in the State and Kolhapur district of Maharashtra.
The atomic minerals are uranium, niobium-tantalum, beryl, rare earth element, yttrium and beach sand minerals containing minerals of thorium, titanium and zirconium.
Official sources said the Hyderabad-based unit had identified the geological domain of the Kaladgi Basin for carrying out low alitude heliborne geophysical surveys during the ensuing flying season.
The surveys deploy Time Domain Electromagnetic Sensor, Magnetometer and Gamma Ray Spectrometers, along with computer-based data acquisition system and DGPS Navigation system housed inside the helicopter.
Since these surveys are of high resolution in nature, they involve low altitude flying over the areas at a height of 75 metres. The operation is a preliminary recconisance heliborne survey covering a large area (12,000 sq km with flight line spacing of 200m) in parts of districts mentioned.