Bhubaneswar, Mar 20: Odisha has reported the presence of precious minerals including gold, diamond and ruby across several districts, raising prospects of expanding its already rich mining portfolio, state officials said.
Replying to queries in the Assembly, Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said diamond-bearing stones have been identified in the Kalmidadar area of Nuapada district, with “detailed technical and economic assessments” currently underway to determine their viability for commercial extraction.
The state has also reported ruby occurrences in the Hinjilibahal–Jilingibar region under the Junagarh block of Kalahandi district, indicating the presence of potential gemstone-bearing zones in western Odisha. These deposits are also undergoing detailed studies to assess their mining feasibility.
Apart from gemstones, gold-bearing formations have been traced in multiple locations, including Madanasahi–Kanjia in Mayurbhanj district and Gopur–Jaladihi in Keonjhar district. In the Adas–Rampalli area of Deogarh district, exploration has revealed the presence of copper, graphite, nickel along with gold mineralisation.
Officials said the identified areas are currently under various stages of investigation such as geological mapping, drilling, grade analysis and environmental assessment. The deposits have not yet been classified as proven reserves, and further exploration will be required to establish their extent and economic viability.
Earlier studies by the Geological Survey of India had also indicated gold prospects in parts of the state, supporting the latest findings.
“Commercial extraction will depend on the outcome of these studies and necessary regulatory clearances,” the minister said, adding that no pearl deposits have been identified in Odisha so far.
If found viable, the discoveries could significantly strengthen the state’s mineral resource base and open new avenues for mining and economic growth.
