Southern States
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Tamil Nadu
Fireclay deposits, a boon to Perambalur district
By Our Special Correspondent
PERAMBALUR, DEC. 16. The geologically famous Perambalur-Ariyalur belt continues to support not only five mega cement plants using the limestone deposits in sedimentary rocky structure formed over millions of years ago, but also the chronically financially weak panchayats by way of lease amount and seigniorage fee of about Rs. 1.5 crores every year.
The fireclay deposits in the Karai region is used extensively for making crucibles, firebricks and stoneware pipes. About 5,000 tonnes of fireclay are mined every month and sent to various parts of the country, fetching a royalty of about Rs.10 lakhs per annum. There are about 15 fireclay mines, employing over 300 persons who earn about Rs.40 per day.
The fireclay was handpicked by the workers and after sun-drying sent to different parts of the State, said Mr. R. Sundharam, Assistant Director Mines.
Gypsum is also available in plenty in Tiruchi, Ariyalur and Perambalur and it is used for preparation of plaster of paris and portland cement. The cement industries, which were using about 50,000 to 75,000 tonnes of mined gypsum, are now buying the same made from salt pans as it is cheaper.
Mr. K. Phanneendra Reddy, Collector, said blue metal quarries in the district was helping the three panchayat unions of Perambalur, Veppanthattai, and Alathur to get Rs. 1.3 crores as lease amount and seigniorage fee.
The panchayat unions utilise the amount for carrying out developmental works.
The Collector said it was proposed to establish a fossil museum to enable students and public know more about the geological features of the region.
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