EXPLORING METALLIC MINERALIZATION IN THE LESSER HIMALAYA THROUGH A GEOLOGIC INVESTIGATION OF THE GULMI DISTRICT, WESTERN NEPAL

The Lesser Himalaya is highly promising for metallic minerals mainly like iron, copper, lead, zinc, cobalt, nickel, etc. But in Nepal; detail exploration of mineral resources on the basis of geological setting, its genesis and overall grade is lacking. Therefore, present study is focused in a small part of the Lesser Himalaya from Tamghas-Neta-Suwarbhumar section of Gulmi district, Western Nepal.

This study was focused to explore the metallic mineral resources in the area; especially to assess the geological control and genesis of mineralization and finally to prepare prognostic map of the mineral resources. The detailed geological mapping in 1:25000 scale was carried out by taking traverse along the study area and collecting samples from old adits as well. Also, laboratory analysis of the sample is carried out by studying polished and thin sections as well as chemical analysis of the sample.

Geological units like the Nourpul Formation, the Dhading Dolomite and the Benight Slates are the rocks of the Nawakot Group (autochthonous unit)consisting chloride-biotite grade metamorphic rocks like slate, phyllite, quartzite, dolomite, and metasandstone and the Hadhade Formation and the Ratamata Formation of the Jajarkot Nappe (allochthonous unit) with biotite-garnet grade metamorphosed green schist, white quartzite and coarse-grained dolomite-marble are mapped within the area. The Dhaithum copper, Bhadegau poly-metallic and ResungaBan poly-metallic deposits are concern within the Nourpul Formation. Similarly, Samarbhumar poly-metallic, Neta poly-metallic are the major metallic deposits reported from the Hadhade Formation and the Ratamata Formation. Major metallic mineralization are hydrothermal vein deposit associated with dominant lithology of the white quartzite and dolomite with presence of gold, nickel, cobalt, copper, silver, iron and lead. All deposits are considered as the stratiform and stratabound in nature. Most of studied poly-metallic minerals have economic value for the nation while minerals like cobalt and nickel could be strategic minerals.