Researchers from the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in Hyderabad have discovered nickel deposits in the Cuddapah Basin, Andhra Pradesh. This finding is significant as India currently has no domestic nickel production and relies entirely on imports to meet its demand for the metal, which is crucial in electronics due to its conductivity and corrosion resistance.
The research, led by NGRI scientist Dr. PVS Raju, focused on the magmatic sulfide potential in the Cuddapah Basin. Their paper, titled “Primary Olivine in Picritic Sills of Cuddapah Basin: Future India Nickel Prospect,” was published in The Canadian Journal of Mineralogy and Petrology. The study assessed the mafic-ultramafic sill-like intrusions in the basin, revealing significant magnetic and gravity anomalies indicative of magmatic sulfide mineralization.
The Pulivendla-Vemula sill complex within the basin showed promise for magmatic sulfide exploration, with the potential for multiple mineral deposits. The researchers noted that regional magnetic and gravity anomalies suggested the presence of feeders where immiscible magmatic sulfides may have formed.
This discovery is particularly timely given the increasing global demand for battery metals. India lacks primary nickel-copper-platinum production from magmatic sulfide ore deposits, making this find a potential game-changer for the country’s resource base.
Additionally, uranium mining is already underway in Kadapa, and in April 2023, NGRI found large deposits of 15 rare earth elements in Anantapur district. These rare earth elements are essential for various electronic devices, including cellphones, televisions, and automobiles. 
