Odisha is breaking into India's mineral map as a new gold discovery hub, with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) affirming notable reserves in some districts.
Confirmed deposits have been reported in Deogarh's Adasa-Rampalli area, Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, Angul, and Koraput, as per findings placed before the state assembly by Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena. Preliminary stage exploration is also underway in Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri, Sambalpur and Boudh.
While the government has not disclosed official estimates, geologists suggest Odisha could be sitting on at least 10-20 metric tonnes of reserves. Although modest compared to India’s annual gold imports of 700–800 tonnes, the discovery is notable, given the country’s meagre domestic output of just 1.6 tonnes a year as of 2020.
Officials believe that even small-scale production could amp up employment, infrastructure development and several business opportunities in mining belts. Odisha is already known for its chromite, bauxite, and iron ore, the addition of gold strengthens its mineral portfolio and opens avenues for economic diversification.
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The state, together with the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) and GSI, is planning to auction its first gold mining block in Deogarh. Exploration now progressed from reconnaissance to advanced sampling and drilling levels to evaluate the commercial potential of the deposits.
The authorities have outlined the next steps regarding this discovery, which include detailed lab analysis to determine ore grade and recovery rates; feasibility reviews by technical committees; transparent auctions under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act; environmental and social impact studies, creation of road, power and water facilities around proposed mining zones.
Experts warn that Odisha's reserves will not only significantly reduce India's dependence on imports, but this discovery is also a strategic milestone in tapping domestic resources. If feasible, the projects could act as catalysts for regional development while further strengthening the state's image as a mineral hub.
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