BHUBANESWAR: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has started a major survey in Odisha’s Keonjhar district with an aim to discover potential gold deposits in the mineral-rich region. Keonjhar, known for its huge reserves of iron ore, manganese and chromite, may soon add gold to its list of natural monuments.
The current study focuses on the Sunakani jungle near Jaradiha village in Bansapar district. This area is steeped in legends and local lore. The name “Sunahani” itself is a combination of “suna” (gold) and “khaani” (mine), suggesting the possibility of gold existing beneath the soil. Initial studies in the 1980s, in which samples were collected by workers for further analysis, had promising results.
According to a recent statement by Odisha’s Steel and Mines Minister, traces of gold were detected during the G-4 survey conducted by Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) in areas such as Sarikena, Mankatua and Dimirimunda in Keonjhar. On this basis, a G-1 survey was completed in the Sunakani jungle two years ago, paving the way for the ongoing G-2 survey by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan.
So far, drilling has been carried out at 10 locations and samples have been sent to a laboratory in Kolkata for analysis. “The percentage of gold in these samples will be determined through laboratory tests. We are optimistic about finding gold,” said Kartik Puran, a Geospatial Survey Institute official working on the project. said. The Geospatial Information Authority of Japan plans to expand its efforts by drilling at 25 more locations in the coming weeks.
The study caused excitement, especially among local residents of Jaladiha village. “If the presence of gold is confirmed in the survey, it will not only benefit our village but also boost the economy of the district and state,” said Niladri Patra, a resident of Jaladiha. Another villager, Kalpana Patra, expressed hope that the discovery would bring much-needed employment opportunities to the area.
If successful, the gold discovery could revolutionize Keonjhar, bringing economic benefits and addressing the region’s unemployment problem. The ongoing G-2 study represents an important step toward this potential breakthrough.
