Editor’s Note
The auction process for gold mines in Rajasthan’s Banswara-Salumber region is now underway, with the discovered reserves valued at over ₹1.50 lakh crore. This marks a significant step in developing a major domestic mineral resource.
The process for issuing Composite Licenses (CL) for gold mining in Banswara-Salumber, Rajasthan, has commenced. The estimated value of the gold reserves discovered in Rajasthan is reported to be over ₹1.50 lakh crore.
Following the discovery of gold reserves in Rajasthan, the government has now initiated efforts for their mining. The Department of Mines and Geology has identified two new blocks in Banswara and Salumber districts and has begun the process of issuing Composite Licenses (CL) for them. The companies to which these blocks are allocated will be able to conduct exploration and mining for gold. Previously, two gold mines in Banswara district were also auctioned, but both allocations had to be canceled due to incomplete paperwork and legal disputes.
The department is now advancing the auction process for blocks identified for gold mining in Kankaria in Banswara district and Dagocha in Salumber district. It is believed that substantial gold reserves are present at both locations. Applications for these blocks have been invited until December 15, after which the auction process will begin. An auction attempt had been made here previously but was unsuccessful.
Prior to this, the Mines Department had auctioned two gold mines in Bhukia-Jagpura and Kankaria-Gara villages in Ghatol tehsil of Banswara district. A Letter of Intent had been issued for one of these mines, and the company had deposited around ₹100 crore.
The Mining Department has also initiated the auction process for blocks of important minerals like Garnet, Basemetal, Copper, Lead, and Zinc. Basemetal blocks have been identified in Bikaner, Chittorgarh, and Udaipur. Exploration and mining for Copper will occur in the Ladana block of Udaipur, for Copper along with other minerals in the Bhambharia Ka Kheda block of Chittorgarh, and for Copper, Lead, and Zinc in the Khamor block of Bhilwara. Similarly, three Garnet blocks in Tonk district have been identified for Composite License. Additionally, the auction of two Limestone mines in Jaisalmer is also proposed.
Over 18 gold blocks have been identified in the state. The largest reserves have been found in Banswara district, where 12 blocks are identified in Jagpura, Bhukia, Delwara, and Panch Mahuri. Additionally, 4 blocks are in Dagocha (Udaipur), 1 in Bharkundi (Dungarpur), and 1 in Dhani Basedi (Dausa).
The estimated value of the gold reserves found in the state is reported to be over ₹1.50 lakh crore. Nationally, Bihar ranks first with 44% of gold reserves, while Rajasthan ranks second with 25% of gold reserves.