Industries Minister P Thangamani said GIS had carried out a study in Harur-Uthangarai areas between 1983 and 2003 and Molybdenum deposits were estimated to be available at Velampatti village in an area spanning 1.2 km length and 320 metres in breadth.
Another study was carried out in south Velampatti and Vellakkal central areas by GIS in 2008-09, he said.
The minister was responding to a special call attention moved by Haroor MLA P Dillibabu of CPI(M) in the state assembly on the need for the government to set up a Molybdenum industry in Dharmapuri district.
Thangamani said the 2008-09 study revealed that Molybdenum was available in Velampatti south in an area of 350 metres in length and between a depth of 50-164 metres.
The said quantity of deposits was not adequate to set up an industry, he said, adding GIS had been therefore asked to carry out a detailed survey of available Molybdenum deposits.
GIS had informed the state government that there was a possibility of carrying out such a study in Velampatti north and south areas, he said.
"After receiving a report from GIS, the government, within laid down stipulations, will consider setting up a Molybdenum industry in Dharmapuri district," he said.
Molybdenum is a refractory metal used as alloying agent in steels and cast irons to enhance strength and toughness. Its applications include defence and aeronautical industries.
