C.E. Suryanarayana Rau died in Madras on 28th February, 1961, at the age of 81.
Born in the Guntur district of Andrha Pradesh, India, Mr. Rau moved to Bangalore at an early age. He studied geology at Central College, Madras University, graduating B.A. in 1902. He entered the Mysore Government service and in 1906 was appointed mining probationer in the Geological Department and trained at Ooregum and Champion Reef gold mines, Kolar Gold Field. In 1908 he was promoted mining assistant and in 1911 was appointed a permanent member of the Mines Inspection staff. After completing a course of instruction in mine surveying at Nundydroog mine, Mr. Rau was promoted Sub-Inspector of Mines in 1915 and Assistant Inspector four years later.
He was seconded to head the iron ore mines department of the Mysore Iron and Steel works, Bhadravati, in 1920, and served as superintendent of mines until 1924 when he was recalled to Oorgaum, Kolar Gold Field. He was a delegate at the 3rd Empire Mining and Metallurgical Congress held in South Africa in 1930 and on his return was appointed Chief Inspector of Mines and Explosives in Mysore – the first Indian to hold that position. He retired from Government service in 1937 but undertook active consulting work for several years afterwards.
Mr. Rau was elected to Associate Membership of the Institution in 1920. He was also a Member of the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers.
Vol. 71, Trans I.M.M., 1961-62, p.736
