Unscientific mining of Corundum at Gobbagurthi Khammam Telangana, India

Unscientific mining of Industrial grade Corundum and gem variety, (gemstone ruby and semi- precious abrasive corundum) is observed surrounding Lakshmipuram, Gobbagurti, Donabanda and Singaraipalem areas of Khammam District of Andhra Pradesh. Corundum is found occurring in the Khammam Schist Belt., a northern extension of the Nellore Schist Belt of the Indian Peninsular Shield. Local entrepreneurs are involved in the mining of corundum since a long time. Both gem variety and industrial grade occurrences of corundum are observed as in-situ, float, and placer concentrations. Exploration of corundum is manifested in geomorphology, structure and lithology in this area which have proved to be very useful guides for understanding the various controls of corundum mineralization at Gobbagurthi as well as in surrounding areas of corundum occurrences in Khammam district.

Index Terms: Corundum, Mining, Gobbagurti, Khammam.