Odisha is emerging as a promising hub for gold mining following confirmed discoveries of gold reserves across multiple districts. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) identified these reserves during recent mineral exploration projects, sparking interest in potential mining and auction strategies.
Gold deposits have been confirmed in Deogarh (Adasa-Rampalli), Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, Angul, and Koraput, with exploratory work ongoing in Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri, Sambalpur, and Boudh. The findings were officially announced in March 2025 when Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena confirmed them in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
Estimated Quantities:
While no official figures have been released, geological indicators suggest the reserves could range between 10 and 20 metric tonnes—a significant amount, though modest compared to India’s annual gold imports.
For context:
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India imported approximately 700–800 metric tonnes of gold last year.
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Domestic gold production remains minimal, at just 1.6 tonnes annually as of 2020.
Although Odisha’s discovery is unlikely to drastically alter India’s gold market, it opens new opportunities for domestic extraction and economic diversification.
Government Steps & Mining Potential
The Odisha government, in collaboration with Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI), is fast-tracking efforts to commercialise these gold discoveries. Plans are underway to auction the first gold mining block in Deogarh, marking a significant milestone for the state’s mineral sector.
GSI is advancing its exploration from the G3 (initial reconnaissance) to G2 level (detailed sampling and drilling) in areas like Adasa-Rampalli and Gopur-Gajipur to validate the resources.
Potential Economic Impacts
If confirmed and made commercially viable, these gold deposits could spur regional development:
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Boost infrastructure investment and create jobs in mining, transport, and local services.
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Reduce reliance on imports, though the impact on India’s overall gold import balance will be modest.
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Diversify Odisha’s mineral exports, reinforcing its strong position in India’s mining portfolio. Currently, the state holds 96% of India’s chromite, 52% of bauxite, and 33% of iron ore reserves.
Next Steps
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Complete exploration and lab analysis to determine ore grade and extractability.
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Convene technical committees to assess commercial feasibility.
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Organise transparent mining block auctions, likely under MMDR Act guidelines.
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Conduct environmental and social impact assessments.
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Develop necessary infrastructure, including roads, power, and water supply, to support mining operations.
Odisha’s gold discovery is an unexpected and valuable addition to India’s mineral strategy, offering a potential economic boost, especially for local communities. While it won’t dramatically reduce India’s gold imports, it represents a strategic move toward harnessing domestic resources for sustainable growth (Agencies)
