Ranchi, July 30: The state mines and geology department has found deposits of iron ore in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, a significant discovery that traces the precious mineral outside West Singhbhum - so far considered the main reserve of the natural resource in Jharkhand.

Though the iron content of the ore explored in Loadih and Tirildih areas of Seraikela-Kharsawan ranges from 47 per cent to 55 per cent, which is not so good when compared to over 60-per cent iron-rich ore found in many parts of West Singhbhum, the findings provide the state new areas to explore for future needs.

Published during the 19th annual meeting of Jharkhand State Geological Programming Board (JSGPB) at a Ranchi hotel today, the report on explorations done in 2014-15 also indicated new areas for exploration of various ores across the state. The findings include quartz and feldspar in Deoghar, limestone in Ramgarh, graphite in Palamau, coal in Latehar, and iron and manganese ores in virgin areas of West Singhbhum.

Geological Survey of India (GSI) director, Ranchi, S.R. Kisku told The Telegraph though the report had been forwarded to the state government, much work needed to be done before going for commercial exploration, if any, in future.

Another senor geologist said the findings did not indicate actual quantity of the minerals lying under the ground or if mining activities at the identified areas would be economically viable. "After scrutinising the report, the government may ask CMPDI, MEC or other competent agencies to take up prospecting work to find out economical viability of these potential reserves," he added.

The meeting also discussed a GSI report on gold deposits in Tamar and other areas in Ranchi and Seraikela-Kharsawan. However, discussion on economically viability could not be taken up at this juncture.