Perspectives on Higher Education, Journal of TUTA University Campus, January 2022, Vol. 13. pp. 79-90 79 GEOLOGICAL STUDY OF CHINA LIMESTONE DEPOSIT OF PYUTHAN DISTRICT, WESTERN NEPAL LESSER HIMALAYA Nabin Parajuli 1 and Kabi Raj Paudyal *2 1 Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited, Kathmandu 2 Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu Nepal *Corresponding email : paudyalkabi1976@gmail.com ABSTRACT Detailed geological mapping was carried out around the Jhimruk-China section of Pyuthan district. The main aim of the study was to map the cement grade limestone deposit in the region. In addition to this, geological reserve was also calculated based on the cross-section methods. The Jhimruk Khola Thrust (JT) lies in the northern part of the study area which separates the sedimentary and metasedimentary succession of the rocks which are can be correlated with the Daban Supergroup of the Dang-Sallyan area. Rock units like the Ranagaon Formation, Dhorbang Khola Formation, Sirchaur Formation, Ranibas Formation and the Sattim Formation of Tosh Group are well exposed around the study area. The cement grade rock succession is mapped differently as the China Member within the Ranibas Formation. It is a succession of bluish grey to ash grey, well- laminated, fine-grained, fine-to medium-bedded limestone with occasional partings of pelitic phyllite and metasandstone. Some bands of dolomite are also reported within the rock succession. Total reserve of the deposit was carried out by cross section method with detailed route maps and columnar sections. Both the channel as well as grab samples was taken for the laboratory analysis. The gross geological reserve is found as 8.9 metric tons and the percentage of CaO and MgO range is found 51.4-1.8% to 26.54-7.10%. The results of the test have shown that the deposit is of cement grade and is recommended for further exploration and mining. Keywords: Cement grade limestone, China Member, Jhimruk Khola Thrust, Lesser Himalaya INTRODUCTION Nepal Himalaya is the potential area for the mineral resources in the earth. The Pyuthan district of Nepal is considered one of the potential sites for the high-grade limestone deposit based on the available literatures. The study area lies in the Pyuthan district, mid-western Nepal (Fig.1). It is connected with 40 Km motor road in north-west direction from Bhalubang, Dang. Geologically this region falls in the Lesser Himalayan rock succession. This study deals primarily with the mapping, geological reserve calculation, quality determination and future aspect of the limestone deposit. The main objectives of this research is to prepare the detailed geological map (1:25000) around China area to show the geological control of limestone deposit, to assure the quality for raw material for cement production and to estimate the total reserve of the cement grade limestone