Gold deposits discovered in Odisha; one mineral block set for auction

Bhubaneswar, Feb 20: The Odisha Assembly was informed on Thursday that gold deposits have been found in two districts of the state, and one of the mineral blocks is set to be auctioned by the Central government.

Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena shared this information while responding to a query by BJD MLA Aswini Kumar Patra. He stated that gold deposits have been identified in Adas (Deogarh district) and Gopur (Keonjhar district).

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted research at the G-2 level in the Adas area of Deogarh district and discovered the presence of gold along with nickel, silver, graphite, and copper. Given that nickel and graphite are critical minerals, the Ministry of Mines has proposed the auctioning of this mineral block.

Similarly, a G-3 level survey in Gopur, Keonjhar, has confirmed gold deposits. Further G-2 level exploration is ongoing in the Jaladihi area of the same block during 2024-25. The final decision on mining activities will be taken based on the recommendations of the technical committee after analyzing the investigation reports, the Minister added.