Thorium Deposits Discovered in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka

Why in News?

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified thorium-bearing mineral deposits in Gundlupet taluk of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. This discovery marks a significant development in India’s strategic mineral exploration. Announced on 9 July 2026, the discovery covers nearly 700 acres across Koothanur and nearby villages. Around 20 acres are designated as the core area for excavation and preparation for mining auctions. The discovery is expected to strengthen India’s long-term prospects in nuclear fuel resources and advanced energy security.

Thorium and Its Importance as a Nuclear Fuel

Thorium (Th) is a naturally occurring radioactive metal with atomic number 90 and belongs to the actinide series of the periodic table. Although thorium itself is not a fissile material, it is considered a promising nuclear fuel because it can be converted into Uranium-233 (U-233) inside a nuclear reactor. This property makes thorium an important component of future nuclear energy technologies and the thorium fuel cycle, which India has been actively researching for decades.

One of the primary natural sources of thorium is monazite. monazite is a phosphate mineral rich in rare earth elements, thorium, and uranium. In India, monazite is commonly found in beach and coastal placer sands.

India’s Thorium Deposits and the Role of GSI

India possesses one of the world’s largest thorium reserves, primarily associated with monazite-bearing sands along the coastal regions of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha. The newly identified deposits in Karnataka add to the country’s growing inventory of strategic mineral resources.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI), functioning under the Ministry of Mines, is the country’s premier agency for geological mapping, mineral exploration, and geoscientific investigations. GSI surveys help identify mineral-rich zones. These zones later undergo detailed exploration, resource assessment, and auction for mining activities. The Gundlupet discovery follows an earlier identification of thorium-bearing minerals in the Chikkammathayi Hills region of Karnataka.

Thorium Deposits: Important Facts for Exams

• Thorium (Th) has atomic number 90 and belongs to the actinide series.
• Thorium can be converted into Uranium-233 (U-233) for use as nuclear fuel.
• Monazite is a phosphate mineral containing thorium, uranium, and rare earth elements.
• India has one of the world’s largest thorium resources, mainly in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) functions under the Ministry of Mines.
• GSI discovered thorium-bearing deposits across 700 acres in Gundlupet taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.
• Around 20 acres have been identified as the core area for excavation and mining auction preparation.