Gold deposit in mineral-rich Keonjhar! GSI’s G-2 survey underway 

Besides being a treasure trove of rich deposits of iron ores, manganese and chromite, Keonjhar may strike gold as the Geological Survey of India (GSI) is carrying out its survey for gold deposits in the district. 

There is a forested area called Sunakhani jungle near Jaladiha village in Bansapal block. The name of the jungle is a portmanteau of two words suna means gold and khani means mine. The name of the jungle suggests there may be a deposit of gold under its soil. 

The survey for gold deposits was first carried out in the eighties. Then labourers were engaged to collect samples.  

As per the information shared by the Minister of Steel and Mines in the Odisha Assembly, the evidence of the presence of gold was found during the G-4 Survey carried out at Saleikena, Mankadchua and Dimirimunda in Keonjhar by the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). 

Also Read: Explosion at Jindal Steel plant in Angul; no casualty reported 

Similarly, a G-1 survey to find evidence of gold deposits was carried out in the Sunakhani jungle two years ago. And, at present, the GSI is carrying out the G-2 survey in the same jungle. While drillings have been done at 10 points and samples collected have been sent to a Kolkata-based laboratory, such drillings will be carried out on 25 points more. 

“From the laboratory test, the percentage of gold can be known. We are hopeful about the presence of gold,” said Kartik Puran, a GSI staff. 

Meanwhile, the ongoing survey in the Sunakhani jungle has brought a smile to the faces of nearby villagers. They are sure about the deposit of gold under the soil of the jungle.

“If the survey bears result, not only Jaladiha but also the district as well as the state will benefit immensely,’ said Niladree Patra, a Jaladiha resident. Another resident Kalpana Patra echoed the same, adding the operation of the mine will help end the unemployment problem in the locality to a great extent.