Bhubaneswar: Odisha has made headlines with the discovery of an estimated 20 metric tons of gold deposits, sparking discussions about the state’s mining potential and a possible new chapter in India’s resource development.
The discoveries, spread across multiple districts, could pave the way for large-scale mining, new job opportunities, improved infrastructure, and a boost to local services if proven commercially viable.
Key Exploration Sites
Gold deposits have been identified in Deogarh (Adasa-Rampalli), Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Angul, and Koraput. Further exploration is underway in Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur, Malkangiri, and Boudh.
Next Steps in Exploration
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has upgraded its investigations from G3 (reconnaissance) to G2 (preliminary exploration) in promising zones such as Adasa-Rampalli and Gopur-Gajipur. This involves detailed sampling and drilling to validate the resource potential.
With exploration advancing rapidly, Odisha could soon emerge as a major gold-mining hub, reshaping both the state’s and India’s mineral economy.