Pankaj Kumar

My research interest is exploring rare earth elements (REE) and associated minerals in weathered profiles at Miaoya, China and Ambadongar, India and understanding their exact genesis.  During the weathering processes REE transport to secondary minerals due to their different chemical behaviour. Therefore, I will be analysing the mobilisation pattern and calculating the possible ore reserve of these elements at different weathering stages from primary to secondary deposits.

I completed my master's degree in Geology at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, India. My research focused on the petrography and geochemistry of the Phenimata Igneous Complex, India. Through this project, I gained substantial knowledge of igneous petrology, geochemistry, and hands-on experience with various analytical instruments, laying a strong foundation for my research career.

Following my master's, I worked as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) on a project in collaboration with the Atomic Mineral Directorate, India. My role involved investigating rare earth elements (REE) in the brecciated carbonatite of the Siriwasan Complex, Gujarat, India. During this project, I developed expertise in the use of analytical techniques such as ICP-MS, ED-XRF, SEM, and XRD, further enhancing my skills in geochemical analysis.

Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D., building on my previous research and experience. My doctoral work focuses on REE in secondary deposits. As part of this research, I conducted field studies in Miaoya, China, and obtained preliminary data. In the coming phases, I plan to conduct an extensive geochemical investigation of the collected samples.