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Limestone Deposits of Khanmouh Syncline (KS) Srinagar, Kashmir, India

Author Affiliations

  • 1Department of Geology and Mining, Srinagar-190018, India

Int. Res. J. Earth Sci., Volume 14, Issue (1), Pages 1-4, February,25 (2026)

Abstract

This study presents the results of a 1:50,000 scale geological field mapping and geochemical evaluation of the Zawora-Sangari limestone belt within the Khanmouh Syncline, District Srinagar. The research, conducted across a 50 km² area in the interior Dun valley, aimed to delineate limestone lithologies and assess their grade and potential industrial suitability. The stratigraphy of the area comprises Triassic limestone and shale, underlain by the Permo-Carboniferous Panjal Volcanic Group. A detailed investigation, including systematic channel sampling, was undertaken on a 5-hectare, lease-free block near Sangari village, where limestone is interbedded with shale and dips at approximately 45° NE. Geochemical analysis of the representative surface samples from the Sangari deposit reveals an average composition of 29.02% CaO, 22.77% SiO₂, and 2.14% MgO. A comparative evaluation against the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications for cement-grade limestone indicates that the deposit is substandard for conventional Portland cement manufacturing. The key limiting factors are a significantly elevated silica (SiO₂) content and a corresponding deficit in calcium oxide (CaO), despite magnesium levels being within tolerance. Consequently, the Sangari limestone is deemed unsuitable for cement production, necessitating the consideration of alternative industrial applications or further beneficiation studies. This assessment provides critical data for resource planning and highlights the need for region-specific industrial grading criteria.

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