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Odisha has emerged as a potential new hub for gold mining following confirmed discoveries of gold reserves in multiple districts. The Geological Survey of India identified these during recent mineral exploration projects, prompting immediate interest in mining and auction strategy.
Gold deposits have been confirmed in Deogarh (Adasa-Rampalli), Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, Angul, and Koraput, and exploratory work is underway in Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri, Sambalpur, and Boudh. This became public in March 2025, when Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena confirmed the findings in the Odisha legislative assembly.
Estimated Quantities: What We Know
No official figures have been released yet. However, based on geological indicators, analysts estimate the reserves may range between 10 to 20 metric tonnes, a sizeable amount, though modest relative to India’s gold import volumes.
For context:
- India imported around 700–800 metric tonnes of gold in the previous year.
- Domestic gold production is minimal, just 1.6 tonnes annually as of 2020.
Though Odisha’s discovery won't drastically shift India’s gold landscape, it does open doors for domestic extraction and economic diversification.
Government Steps & Mining Potential
The Odisha government, alongside Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) and GSI, is fast-tracking efforts for commercialising these finds. Plans are underway to auction the first gold mining block in Deogarh, marking a watershed moment for the state’s mineral sector.
GSI is advancing its exploration from G3 (initial reconnaissance) to G2 level (detailed sampling and drilling) in areas like Adasa-Rampalli and Gopur-Gajipur to validate resources.
Potential Economic Impacts
If confirmed and made viable, these gold deposits could catalyse regional development:
- Infrastructure investment and jobs, mining, transport, local services, may increase.
- Reduced dependence on imports, though the scale is unlikely to radically shift balance.
- Diversification of Odisha’s mineral exports, reinforcing its position in India’s mining portfolio. The state already holds 96% of India’s chromite, 52% of bauxite, and 33% of iron ore reserves.
What Happens Next?
- Finalize exploration and lab analysis to determine ore grade and extractability.
- Convene technical committees to assess commercial feasibility.
- Organise transparent mining block auctions, likely under MMDR Act guidelines.
- Conduct environmental and social impact assessments.
- Develop infrastructure, roads, power, water, for mining operations.
Odisha’s gold discovery is an unexpected and valuable addition to India’s mineral strategy, a potential economic boon, especially for local communities. While it won't solve India's gold import needs, it represents a strategic step toward leveraging domestic resources for sustainable growth.
