Tonnes of gold found in 10 Odisha districts, govt plans auction; check exploration details

Odisha has emerged as a promising hub for gold exploration in India, with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirming significant reserves across several districts.

Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena informed the Odisha assembly that confirmed deposits have been identified in Deogarh, Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, Angul, and Koraput, while early-stage exploration continues in Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri, Sambalpur, and Boudh, marking one of the largest gold discoveries in the state in recent decades.

Detailed Deposits in Deogarh and Keonjhar

In his written reply to BJD MLA Ashwini Patra, Minister Jena said that gold deposits of approximately 1,685 kilograms were discovered in the Adash area of Deogarh, and 311 kilograms in Gopur of Keonjhar.

The survey in Adash was conducted by the GSI, while the Gopur region was surveyed jointly by GSI and the state’s Directorate of Mines and Geology. These confirmed reserves form part of an estimated 10 to 20 metric tonnes of gold that could potentially be extracted in the state.

Economic Significance for the State

While Odisha’s gold reserves are modest compared to India’s annual gold imports of 700–800 tonnes, officials emphasise their economic potential.

Even small-scale production is expected to create employment opportunities, improve local infrastructure, and support ancillary businesses in mining belts.

For Odisha, which already leads the country in chromite, bauxite, and iron ore production, the addition of gold strengthens the state’s mineral portfolio and provides new avenues for economic diversification.

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Government Roadmap for Mining

The state government, in coordination with the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) and the GSI, is moving towards auctioning the first gold mining block in Deogarh.

Exploration has now advanced from preliminary reconnaissance to sampling and drilling to assess commercial viability.

The next steps will include detailed laboratory analyses to determine ore grade and recovery rates, technical feasibility reviews, environmental and social impact studies, and the development of necessary road, power, and water facilities around proposed mining zones. 

Authorities have stressed that extraction will proceed only if it is economically and technically viable.