Mineweb reported that Rajasthan, well known for its crude oil will soon be known for its huge gold deposits. The Geological Survey of India has struck huge reserves of gold ore in Rajasthan and a new report has indicated the presence of copper and gold deposits as well in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.

Officials said that internationally, such deposits are considered commercially viable if more than 2 gram of gold can be extracted from every tonne of ore.

Mr Dinsha Patel mines minister of India said that "GSI has made three significant findings. There is the discovery of copper mineralization at Khera block in Alwar district of Rajasthan and gold mineralization in Tumkur and Sonbhadra districts in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh respectively."

Earlier, GSI had similarly struck huge reserves of gold ore in Rajasthan's Banswara district. Though the commercial viability of mining there is still under evaluation, GSI had reportedly claimed that nearly 250,000,000 tonnes of gold ore was embedded in 25 kilometers stretch across the tribal district.

Officials said that GSI had also announced the finding of platinum and gold in eastern Maharashtra's Chandrapur district. Though gold is extracted at the Kolar Gold Fields of Karnataka from a depth of 13,000 feet. India imports nearly 1,000 tonnes of gold. The start of mining in these regions could also lead to the recovery of copper, zinc and nickel from the site.

At the 50th meeting of the Central Geological Program Board, the minister reiterated that the Indian government is committed to providing all the facilities for the development of GSI and has recently approved the proposal for its restructuring. GSI plans to induct as many as 300 geoscientists and significant number of geophysicists and chemists during 2012 to 2013 which will help in achieving goals envisaged under various schemes.The Ministry of Mines is proactively involved in developing the mineral sector.

(Sourced from www.mineweb.com)