Geological Survey of India has discovered gold deposits in three districts of Odisha. State Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick said that gold hoards were found in Deogarh, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj.
The hoard of gold was found at four different locations in Keonjhar, four locations in Mayurbhanj and one location in Deogarh. These areas are Dimirimunda, Kushakala, Gotipur, Gopur, Joshipur, Suriyaguda, Ruwansila, Dushura Hill and Addas. The first surveys of this area were conducted in the 1970s and 1980s, but the findings of the surveys were not published. In the last two years GSI has conducted a new survey in this area.
Gold production will increase
Currently, there are three gold mines operating in India; Hatti and Utti mines in Karnataka and Hirabuddini mines in Jharkhand. India’s gold production is 1.6 tonnes per annum. With increasing demand and prices, the central government is keen to increase gold production in the country. Last year, the NITI Aayog had conducted an extensive study to identify gold mines in the country. Currently, India’s total gold reserves are 70.1 tonnes, according to data from the Ministry of Mines. Large reserves are located in South India.
The World Gold Council had stated in a report last year that through improvements in mining facilities and regulatory reforms, India could increase its gold production to 20 tonnes per annum in the long term.
English Summary : Gold Reserve Identified in Odisha