7 gold mines in India that no one told you about

India is one of the largest consumers of gold in the world, importing about 800 metric tons of the precious metal every year. However, India is also a country with vast mineral resources, including gold. According to the WGC, India has 2,191.53 metric tons of gold ore resources. However, only a fraction of these resources have been explored and exploited, leaving a huge potential for gold mining in India. Here are eight gold mines of India that you may not have heard of.

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Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) is a mining region in Karnataka, famous for being the oldest and deepest gold mine in India. It was established by the British in 1880 and operated until 2001, producing about 800 tonnes of gold during its lifespan. The mine was known for its challenging working conditions, as the miners had to descend to depths of up to 3.2 km and face high temperatures, humidity, and pressure. The mine was closed due to environmental and economic reasons, but there are plans to revive it with new technology and investment.

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Hutti Gold Mines is a company owned by the Karnataka government that operates two mines in Raichur district: Hutti and Uti. Hutti is the only active gold mine in India, producing about 1.8 tonnes of gold per year. The mine has a history of over 2,000 years, as it was mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts of Mahabharata and Ramayana. The mine uses both underground and open-pit mining methods, and has a processing plant that can handle 3,000 tonnes of ore per day.

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Sonbhadra is a district in Uttar Pradesh, where a massive gold reserve was discovered in 2020 by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). The reserve is estimated to contain 700 tonnes of gold ore, spread over five locations: Son Pahadi, Hardi, Churli, Parasi, and Basariya. The reserve is expected to boost the economy and development of the region, as well as the country’s gold production. The GSI has also identified other minerals in the area, such as silver, copper, and iron.

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Ganajur Gold Mine is a gold mine located in Karnataka, near the border with Goa. It was discovered and is owned by the private company Deccan Gold Mines, which attempted to acquire a mining lease for years. The mine was expected to start production in 2022, with an annual output of 1.5 tonnes of gold. However, the mining lease was rejected by the Government of India in 2021.

Image: Deccan Gold Mines

Jonnagiri Gold Mine is a gold mine located in Andhra Pradesh, near the border with Telangana. It is also owned by the Deccan Gold Mines Ltd company. The mine was expected to start production in 2023, with an annual output of 1.2 tonnes of gold. The mine will be the first open-pit gold mine in India.

Image: Deccan Gold Mines

Located in Chandil, Jharkhand, the Lava Gold Mines are a hidden gem waiting to be fully explored. While not as famous as some other gold mines, Lava holds immense potential. The region’s rich mineral deposits hint at a promising future for gold extraction. With advancements in technology and investment, Lava could become a significant player in India’s gold mining landscape.

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Ramagiri is a town in Andhra Pradesh, where the gold mine was first operated from 1905-27 by M/s John Taylor & Sons. The mine was extensively used by the British to obtain gold ores along the Yerrappa-Gantalappa block. The mine is estimated to contain four tonnes of gold ore, along with other minerals such as copper, lead, and zinc. The mine is currently under the custody of the MECL, which is conducting exploration and feasibility studies to reopen the mine which has been closed for two decades now.

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