Application of nuclear techniques for the exploitation of energy and mineral resources in India

There are a number of applications of nuclear techniques, including nucleonics control systems and radiotracer applications in Indian industry. A survey of the extent of exploitation of mineral resources in the country reveals large scale production of coal, iron ore, bauxite and crude petroleum. The significant application of nucleonics control systems in industry has become possible owing to the indigenous availability of some of the systems from the Electronics Corporation of India. Particular mention should be made of the large scale application of gamma ray level controls, as well as applications of nucleonic density and weight gauges. Imported instruments are used for in-stream analysis in mineral processing plants, as well as in coal mining and processing operations. The use of 19 in-stream analysers in the mineral concentrator plant of Hindustan Zinc Ltd is worth highlighting. Radiotracer techniques are used to a limited extent in the oil industry as well as in the mineral industry. Secondary recovery operations in the oil industry are benefitting from the application of radiotracers. In the field of geothermal exploration field too, both the stable and radioisotope techniques find application. There is considerable scope for the increased use of nuclear techniques in the exploitation of mineral and energy sources. Particular mention should be made of nucleonics control system applications in coal processing and in-stream analysis at mineral beneficiation plants. (author)