Million-Rupee Question: Which State Has India’s Largest Gold Reserves?

New Delhi: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a survey on gold reserves in the country. It was discovered that gold reserve of around 222.88 million tonnes, including 27.6 tonnes of mineral-rich ore, are present in Bihar’s Jamui district.

It’s being called as India’s largest gold reserve.

The Bihar government, headed by Nitish Kumar, has given the go-ahead for exploration of Jamui gold reserve.

“The state Mines and Geology Department is in consultation with agencies engaged in exploration, including GSI and the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), for exploration of gold reserves in Jamui,” Additional Chief Secretary cum Mines Commissioner Harjot Kaur Bamhrah was quoted as saying by PTI.

The consultation process started after analyzing the survey findings, which indicated presence of gold in areas like Karmatia, Jhajha and Sono in Jamui district.

The Bihar government is likely to sign a memorandum of understanding with a central agency or agencies for G3 (preliminary) stage exploration within a month’s time, said Bamhrah. In certain areas, G2 (general) exploration can also be carried out.

Union Minister of Mines Pralhad Joshi had told Lok Sabha last year that Bihar has the highest share of India’s gold reserves — 222.885 million tonnes, which amounts to 44% of total gold reserves in the country.