Studies on heavy mineral placers from eastern coast of Odisha, India by instrumental neutron activation analysis

The study shows geochemical characterization of placer deposit in parts of coastal Odisha, India using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Twenty seven elements were estimated in ten heavy mineral beach sand samples. The characterisation was mostly based on the trace element, radioactive element and Rare Earth Element (REE) content of the bulk sand samples. The results indicate elevated concentration of thorium and the REE's. The concentration of Scandium has been reported for the first time along this area. Positive correlation between thorium and REE was observed in beach placer samples collected from study area.