Editor’s Note
A major gold and base metal deposit has been confirmed in Chhattisgarh, India, with the auction process now underway. This discovery highlights the region’s mineral potential and is attracting significant commercial interest.
A significant mineral discovery has been made in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has estimated reserves of 302.1 kilograms of gold and associated base metals in the Karanakhol-Rachpalpur area. This area spans approximately 150 hectares. The process of auctioning this block has now begun. Several renowned companies from India and abroad have shown interest in the mines.
The auction is being conducted through the central government agency MSTC. Additionally, blocks for base metals, iron ore, and limestone will also be auctioned. This block is located in the villages of Karanakhol and Rachpalpur in the Basna tehsil of Mahasamund and surrounding areas. The Geological Survey of India had conducted G3 level exploration in this area.
Analysis results found gold concentrations ranging from 0.06 to 0.24 parts per million (ppm), with two samples containing more than 0.1 ppm gold. Along with gold, indications of other base metals have also been found in this area. This mineral block could play a significant role in enhancing Chhattisgarh’s mineral wealth. The mixed reserves of gold and base metals could provide new opportunities for economic development in the region. This will also increase the revenue of the state government.
The Mineral Department is conducting the auction process for a total of 5 blocks of different minerals. Apart from gold, there will be an auction for base metals and associated minerals in a 150-hectare area in the Dhulangi, Oranga, and Revatipur areas of Balrampur district. Furthermore, auctions are planned for iron ore mines in the Gopaltola area of Khairegarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district, spanning approximately 1,217 hectares, and for limestone blocks in Bhikuria-Chhanta (399 hectares) and Jagmadwa-Hanaibandh (304 hectares) in Kabirdham district.
The tender process for the auction of the blocks has started. According to information, tenders will be submitted until November 17th. The tenders will be opened on the 19th. It is reported that all cement companies in the state are showing interest in the limestone mines. Similarly, renowned steel companies from the country and the state are showing their interest in the iron ore mines.
A vast gold reserve was found in Sonakhan. It was auctioned 10 years ago. Vedanta Limited had won this mine by placing the highest bid. The mine, located in Baghmara, Balodabazar district, spans an area of 608 hectares, where an estimated 2700 kilograms of gold reserves are present. Notably, the excavation process began here after the Bhumi Pujan (ground-breaking ceremony) on November 5th. After mining started in Sonakhan, it has become the country’s fourth active gold mine.