Unlocking the Genesis of
Ore Deposits in
Precambrian Terrains
Exploration geologist investigating the magmatic, hydrothermal, and tectonic controls on gold, base-metal, and REE mineralization across the Dharwar Craton and ancient shield terrains of Peninsular India.
Archean Crustal Evolution
Isotope Geochemistry
Ore Petrology
Research at a Glance
30+
3
Dharwar Craton
GOLD Lab
Open
Three Pillars of Investigation
Field-based research integrating geological mapping, ore petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology to build genetic and exploratory models.
Ore Genesis & Exploration
Investigating the formation mechanisms of orogenic gold, VMS-type base metals, and carbonatite-hosted REE deposits. Building exploratory models from mineral chemistry, fluid inclusions, and isotopic tracers.
Archean Crustal Evolution
Deciphering the magmatic and tectonic evolution of Neoarchean greenstone belts and granitoids. Using zircon U-Pb geochronology, Lu-Hf isotopes, and whole-rock geochemistry to constrain crustal growth models.
Mineral Geochemistry
Leveraging trace-element and isotopic compositions of accessory minerals (zircon, apatite, biotite) as petrogenetic and provenance indicators in magmatic and hydrothermal systems.
Recent Contributions
30+ peer-reviewed articles in journals including Gondwana Research, Ore Geology Reviews, International Geology Review, and Geochemistry.
Blog & Insights
Practical geology, exploration workflows, and research updates — written for students, professionals, and anyone curious about Earth’s hidden treasures.
How to Read a Greenstone Belt: A Field Geologist’s Checklist
Practical walkthrough of mapping Archean greenstone sequences — what to look for, what to sample, and how to build a working hypothesis.
Gold in the Dharwar Craton: What Controls Where It Goes?
A synthesis of structural, geochemical, and isotopic evidence that guides gold exploration in India’s most important Archean terrain.
Zircon Geochemistry 101: What Your Crystals Are Telling You
A step-by-step guide to interpreting zircon trace elements and U-Pb ages for petrogenetic and provenance analysis.
Genesis of Ore Fluids & Lode Development
A field- and lab-based research group at IISER Tirupati focused on understanding the geologic controls on ore formation in Precambrian terrains.
- Economic Geology Research Lab — sample preparation for XRF, ICP-MS, and fire assay
- Active CSIR-funded project on gold deposits of the Eastern Dharwar Craton
- Expanding capabilities in ore petrography and fluid inclusion microthermometry
- Collaborative links with European and Indian laboratories for isotopic analysis
Join Our Research Team
We are looking for motivated PhD candidates interested in Precambrian metallogeny, crustal evolution, and mineral exploration. Fully funded positions are periodically available for JRF/NET/GATE qualified candidates.