Maximum gold production takes place in Karnataka.
A new deposit of gold has been found in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Mining has also started there. It is expected that the possibility of gold being found in many more places nearby cannot be ruled out. This information has brought new energy from the state to the central government. Let us, with this excuse, understand where are the gold mines in the country? How much gold is produced in the country every year? Is anything going to change with the discovery of new mines?
The fascination with gold in India is centuries old. Gold attracts everyone in the country, whether rich or poor. It is used as jewelery and a large number of people also consider it as an investment. Reserve banks around the world also keep reserves of gold and balance the economy with its help. Recently, the news of discovery of new gold reserves in Andhra Pradesh has again excited the country. It is being considered a big game-changer for the country’s economy.
Karnataka: Power-house of gold in the country
Karnataka is the largest gold producing state of India. About 99 percent of the country’s gold comes from this state alone.
- Hatti Gold Mines: Hatti mines located in Raichur district are the only mines in India where excavation is still going on on a commercial scale. Gold mining has been going on here since 1902. At present about 1.5 to 2 tons of gold is extracted here every year.
- Kolar Gold Fields: This was one of the deepest mines in the world. Excavation on a large scale started here in the year 1880 during the British period. After digging for about 121 years, it was stopped in the year 2001 due to shortage of gold and high cost. During its entire tenure, about 800 tons of gold was extracted from here.
Karnataka is the state that supplies the most gold to the country.
Andhra Pradesh: Emerging New Option
Andhra Pradesh has been at second place in gold production, and now big hopes have arisen from here. The state government claims that it can be the leader in gold production in the country.
- Jonnagiri Mine: A large gold deposit has been found in Jonnagiri in Kurnool district. It is estimated that there is 50 tonnes of gold here. This is just a part of the report. This is the first private gold mine of independent India. The target is to extract one ton of gold from here every year.
- Ramgiri Mines: Excavation took place for a long time in the Ramgiri gold field located in Anantapur district, but at present the work here is at a slow pace. There is a strong possibility of finding gold in Javakula and Chigurukunta also.
- New store found in Chittoor: Recently the Geological Survey of India has discovered new blocks of gold in Kuppam area of Chittoor district. According to the report, there is a good amount of gold present here.
- Production: At present the production from Andhra Pradesh is very low, but after the auction of new fields, there is a possibility of production up to 0.5 tonnes annually. This production will increase gradually and it is expected that Andhra Pradesh can be on top in this matter.
Gold is produced in some selected states of the country. Photo: Getty Images
Jharkhand: Miracle of Golden Line
The land of Jharkhand is a storehouse of minerals. Gold production has been going on here for decades.
- Palasan and Seraikela: Gold mines are present in these areas of Jharkhand. The Swarnarekha River also flows here, from whose sand the villagers have been sifting gold for years.
- Lava Mines: Excavation has been going on here on a small scale since independence. At present about 10 to 50 kg of gold is obtained from Jharkhand annually, although commercial mining is being expanded.
About 113 million tonnes of gold ore is buried in the soil of Rajasthan. Photo: Pexels
Rajasthan: New address of gold
Rajasthan is fast making its place on the gold map.
Banswara and Udaipur: Here gold reserves have been certified in Bhokia-Jagpura area. The exploration work here intensified in the 1990s. It is estimated that about 113 million tonnes of gold ore is buried in the soil of Rajasthan. Commercial production is yet to start on a large scale here, which will soon be started through auction.
Current status of gold production in India
India itself is able to produce only a very small part of its total gold consumption. India currently produces about 1.6 to 2.2 tonnes of gold every year. India imports about 98 percent of its gold requirement from Switzerland, UAE and South Africa. Every year India imports 800 to 900 tonnes of gold from outside. The Government of India has now intensified the exploration through the National Mineral Exploration Trust. There is estimated to be about 500 million tonnes of gold ore across the country.
Every year India imports 800 to 900 tonnes of gold from outside. Photo: Getty Images
Importance and future of gold discovery
New reserves found in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan can change the fate of India. India spends billions of dollars every year on importing gold. Due to increase in domestic production, this money will remain in the country. With the advent of modern technology in the mining sector, thousands of skilled engineers and workers will get employment. Now deep seated mining technology is being used, through which gold buried more than a thousand meters deep can be extracted.
In short, the new information from Andhra Pradesh has given new energy. It is no longer hidden that gold worth billions of rupees is hidden in the Indian soil, it just needs to be extracted scientifically. Active mines in Karnataka, new reserves in Andhra Pradesh and prospects in Rajasthan suggest that India may regain its golden bird image in the future. With the new mining policy of the government and the participation of private companies, India’s gold production is expected to increase in the coming 10 years.
Also read: Gold becomes cheaper by ₹ 15,000 Why do gold prices increase when there is war? Relief after Iran-America agreement
