Bhubaneswar, 20 February (H.S.): Gold mines have been discovered in two districts of Odisha, as announced by Steel & Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena in the Assembly.

In response to a question from BJD's Jaleswar MLA, Aswini Kumar Patra, regarding the status and progress of gold mining in the state, the Minister revealed that gold deposits have been located in the Adas area of Deogarh district and the Gopur area of Keonjhar district.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has conducted research at the G-2 level in the Adas area of Deogarh, identifying gold, nickel, silver, and graphite minerals, in addition to copper. As nickel and graphite are classified as critical minerals, the auction process for this block will be managed by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, the Minister stated.

Furthermore, gold mining exploration at the G-3 level has been completed in the Gopur area of Keonjhar district. The G-2 investigation in the Jaladihi area of the same block is ongoing for the fiscal year 2024-25. The Minister indicated that actions will be taken based on the recommendations of the technical committee once the final report from the investigating agencies is submitted.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda