Odisha prepares to auction gold and 48 other mineral blocks

Odisha is poised to unlock a new chapter in its mining sector with plans to auction gold-bearing mineral blocks. Gold has been identified at Jaldiha in Keonjhar district and Madansahi–Kanjia in Mayurbhanj district, with the latter also containing copper deposits. 

In pursuant to this, a crucial meeting has been convened on January 3, 2026 to review auction preparedness. Senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary of the Steel and Mines Department, the Managing Director of Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), the Director of Mines and GST officials, will attend. The annual auction calendar for 49 mineral blocks will be finalised.

A separate block at Betjharan in Mayurbhanj has vanadiferous magnetite along with gold.

Apart from gold, Odisha has identified extensive deposits of iron ore, bauxite, manganese, limestone, dolomite, graphite, copper, nickel, silver, titanium, vanadium, tin and rare earth elements (REE).

Graphite blocks have been identified in Kalahandi, Rayagada, Bolangir, Nayagarh and Deogarh districts, with notable resources at Lamer-Panga, Naringpanga, Rengali and Tamiya blocks. Several of these blocks are at G2 and G3 levels of exploration, indicating significant resource potential.

Rare earth elements have been confirmed at the Mushanala–Dumrimunda block in Kalahandi, though detailed resource estimation is still underway. Titanium and vanadium deposits have been identified at Amdabera–Rangamatia in Mayurbhanj, while tin has been found at Mundaguda in Malkangiri.

Exploration Status Under Review

The proposed blocks have been explored by agencies such as GSI, OMC, DoMG and MECL. During the meeting, officials will assess the suitability, current status and auction readiness of each block.

A Strategic Push Forward

With gold and critical minerals joining Odisha’s vast mineral portfolio, the state is positioning itself as a key contributor to India’s resource security. The January 3 meeting is expected to shape the mining roadmap for the coming financial years, marking a significant step towards systematic and transparent mineral development.