File picture of necklaces made out of stones and gems on display in a shop

Kohima, March 15: If Nagaland has to develop economically, the chances are rock-hard. Path-breaking research in geology of the state?s remote areas has revealed multi-mineral deposits and precious stones that could change the face of its economy, if utilised properly.

Nagaland University has used its geologists and palaeontologists to discover the treasures of chromium, nickel and cobalt deposits, along with precious stones like chalsodony and opal. There are also liberal deposits of serpentenites and chert stones that are used in the cutting and polishing industry. The brick-coloured chert stones here reveal that the hill range was once submerged.

A source said platinum deposits have also been found. According to researchers, the rocks in the region resemble the ones in the Kargil area of Kashmir.

According to geologists, the area is a goldmine for international researchers who see the belt as unique. The areas of Phek and Kiphire districts on the Indo-Myanmar border, where the Indian tectonic plate got submerged below the Burmese plate, has thrown up a rare combination of minerals. ?It is the mixed mineral deposits which are both academically and economically rich,? said Prof. G.T. Thong, a geologist.

The centre will sponsor a field workshop for researchers in the Kiphire-Phek area this year. The workshop will impart training to geologists working in the Northeast.

One of the interesting aspects for academics will be the large presence of micro-fossils in the area found earlier by palaeontologists R.P. Kachara and Venkatachalapathy. However, there has been a problem with the state government on taking the initiative either for oil or mineral exploration as the issue is seen as politically sensitive due to insurgency.

?We need collaborative efforts with the government for exploration,? said Dr B.V. Rao of the department of geology at Nagaland University.

A source said explorers might face hurdles in the form of protests by local people because of the presence of quartz, opal and other precious stones found in the area.