India set to reopen iconic KGF after 80+ years, expected to produce 750 kg gold annually

In a monumental moment, India is set to revive its historic Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in Karnataka — the first gold mine to restart since independence. Yes, India is indeed reviving KGF—after nearly 80 years and more than two decades since it shut.

The iconic KGF that was lying dormant for more than eight decades is officially being revived after more than eight decades, reports said. In June 2024, the Karnataka cabinet approved surface mining of 13 tailings dumps across 1,003 acres belonging to the defunct Bharat Gold Mines Ltd (BGML). These dumps, rich in residual gold, are estimated to contain around 23 tonnes of recoverable metal. 

With modern techniques like heap leaching and carbon-in-pulp being underway, KGF could yield approximately 750 kg of gold annually once full-scale operations begin.

Operations will focus on tailings recovery, with a new start potentially yielding around 750 kg of gold annually. It marks the country’s first new gold production since independence, a major development both economically and symbolically.

Karnataka Government’s Approval

In June 2024, the state cabinet approved the Union government's proposal to restart mining on 13 tailings dumps covering around 1,003 acres of the defunct Bharat Gold Mines Ltd (BGML) at KGF, under the MMDR Act.

Historic Closure & Restart Strategy

KGF was shut down on 28th February 2001, following a long history of losing operational viability. Mining is now planned not from deep shafts, but via surface tailings recovery—using methods like heap leaching or carbon-in-pulp.

Gold Reserves in Tailings

Studies indicate that the tailings dumps contain roughly 32 million tonnes of material grading gold, translating to approximately 23 tonnes of recoverable gold.

Projected Annual Production:

Based on global process benchmarks and scale, production from tailings is expected to plateau around 750 kg per year, aligning with the volume of recovered gold estimated for other Indian tailings projects.