WEB DESK
In a major discovery, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found gold deposits to the tune of over 3,000 tonnes in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. District Mining Officer KK Rai told media that the gold deposits were found in Son Pahadi and Hardi areas.
Work on finding gold reserves in Sonbhadra started almost two decades back in 1992-93 by the GSI.
The work on the same had been going on for the past two decades. According to departmental officials Auctioning of these blocks through e-tendering will be started soon. Finding of gold mines were in Naxalite area is a good sign for the development of this area.
The deposits in Son Pahadi are estimated to be around 2,943.26 tonnes, while that at Hardi block are around 646.16 kilogram, the official said.
He added that besides gold, some other minerals have also been found in the area.
As per the World Gold Council, India currently has 626 tonnes of gold reserves. The new reserves are almost five times that amount and estimated to be worth nearly Rs 12 lakh crore.
The British reportedly were the first to initiate the process of finding gold reserves in Sonbhadra region, which is more in the news for being a Naxalism-affected area.