India's third uranium mining unit at Gogi
The Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL), a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy is all set to start the long-awaited uranium mining at Gogi in Shahapur taluk of Yadgir district.
After having successfully carried out a series of field trails the UCIL has now come to the final stage and the uranium processing unit will be established at the nearby Diggi village.
Based on positive results of exploration activities performed near Gogi, UCIL has prepared a feasibility report and has sent a proposal to the Centre seeking clearnace for putting up a 500-TPD (tonnes per day) mine and a uranium processing unit, UCIL Executive Director N M Bahl has stated in a communication to Ramannagouda Kollur, a resident of Gogi.
The actual mining and processing of uranium is likely to start in about two years after completing all the formalities. Uranium deposits sufficient for mining for a period of 15 years are available in Gogi. In future, UCIL plans to utilise the uranium deposits in the Bhima belt from Sedam in Gulbarga to Muddebihal in Bijapur.
Rich uranium deposits have been found in the Gogi belt covering the villages of Gogi, Ukkinal, Darshanapur in Shahapur taluk, and Thinthini and other places in Surapur taluk. Uranium processed here will be used for defence and power generation purpose.
The UCIL has sent a proposal for acquiring 200 acres of land of Saidapur and Umaradoddi villages and 4 (1) notification has already been issued. The site surrounded by hillocks on three sides is stated to be ideal for processing. In Gogi village trial mining has been done in an area of 4.27 acres.
