Bhubaneswar: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has discovered traces of gold while conducting G-2 level exploration for copper ore in the Adasa-Rampalli region of Deogarh district, Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena informed the Odisha Assembly on Thursday.
Replying to a query from Baliguda BJD MLA Chakrapani Kanhar, Minister Jena stated that exploration activities are also underway to identify gold deposits in various locations of Keonjhar district, including Gopur-Gazipur Mankadchuam, Saleikana, and Dimirimunda.
He further added that preliminary exploration for gold mining is being conducted in several areas of Mayurbhanj district, including Jashipur, Suriaguda, Ruanasi, Idelkucha, Maredihi, and Suleipat (Dhusura Hill), as well as Badampahar.
Additionally, scattered traces of gold have been reported in certain locations across Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Angul, Koraput, Malkangiri, Sambalpur, and Boudh districts. However, detailed exploration has not yet been carried out in these areas, the Minister informed.
Clarifying the auction process, Jena stated that mine auction rates are not predetermined. Before an auction, the government sets the reserve price of a mine, which is typically a percentage of the monthly mineral transportation cost.
He also clarified that, to date, the state government has not auctioned any gold mines. Therefore, comparing gold mine auction prices with international market rates is not relevant in this context, he added.
