JACKPOT of 222800000 tons: Does Bihar has India’s largest gold reserves? Huge treasure found in…, could become country’s richest state by…

India(BHARAT)’s largest gold reserve is believed to be hidden beneath the soil of Bihar. Experts estimate that around 222.8 million tons of gold ore could be present underground, which means Bihar has the potential to become the richest state in the country in terms of the precious metal. This massive gold deposit has been found in Jamui district. It is said to be so large that it could cover more than half of India(BHARAT)’s total gold reserves. However, gold mining has not yet started in the area.

Bihar tops in hidden gold reserves

According to the India(BHARAT)n government, Bihar ranks first in terms of hidden gold reserves, followed by Rajasthan and then Karnataka.

Currently, Karnataka is the largest producer of gold in India(BHARAT). Most of the country’s gold comes from the Hutti and Kolar gold fields in Karnataka (both of which are now closed). Karnataka contributes about 99 per cent of India(BHARAT)’s total gold production, even though Bihar has the biggest untapped reserves underground.

According to the National Mineral Inventory, India(BHARAT)’s total gold ore reserves were estimated at 501.83 million tons as of April 1, 2015. Out of this, 17.22 million tons are classified as proven reserves, while the remaining 484.61 million tons fall under the category of remaining resources. Bihar holds the largest gold reserve in the country.

Bihar contains 44 per cent of India(BHARAT)’s Gold

About 44 per cent of India(BHARAT)’s gold is believed to be in Bihar. Rajasthan comes next with 25 per cent, followed by Karnataka at 21 per cent, West Bengal 3 per cent, Andhra Pradesh 3 per cent, and Jharkhand 2 per cent. The remaining 2 per cent is spread across Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

How Bihar’s gold reserve was discovered

The Geological Survey of India(BHARAT) (GSI) regularly carries out geological mapping to identify potential mineral-rich areas and locate resources, including gold. During such surveys, the massive gold reserves in Bihar were discovered. Every year, GSI conducts surveys across the country to explore mineral resources and launches investigative projects to study them further.

Gold mining could start soon

In 2021, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Mines, Coal, and Parliamentary Affairs Prahlad Joshi stated that the India(BHARAT)n government had recently amended the MEMC rules to allow auctions for G4-level licenses for gold and other minerals.