Digging for gold ends in windfall for desert state

Jaipur: Rajasthan’s quest for gold has ended successfully after efforts that stretched over a quarter of a century. Geologists have confirmed, an estimated 11.48 crore tonnes of gold treasure at a depth of about 300 metres (1,000 feet) in Bhukia-Dagocha area of Banswara district. Notably, gold is extracted at Kolar Gold Fields in Karnataka at a depth of 13,000 feet.

Gold is believed to have been mined in the Bhukia region, inhabited by the Bheel tribe, about 2,000 years ago. 

The region’s potential was rediscovered after initial surveys indicated huge gold reserves, encouraging the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to begin hunt for the treasure in nine blocks in 1992-93.  

N. Kutumba Rao, director general of the Geological Survey of India, said that the Bhukia-Dagocha discovery is quite encouraging as it has come after nearly 25 years of efforts.

“After traces of copper and gold were found in these locations, exploration has begun. The department is now procuring advanced drill machines to drill beyond 300 meters,” he said.

Apart from Bhukia, the GSI had found gold traces in Alwar and Dausa districts as well. Its survey had hinted at presence of around 27 lakh tonnes gold-copper ore at Dhani-Basri in Dausa.

“The work of exploration of gold and copper in other areas like Kamalpura, Neem Ka Thana and Mundiawas Kheda area is also going on,” Mr Rao said.

Rajendra Azad, a jewellery exporter, said, “Crude oil and gold are two most precious commodities in the world and both are now found in Rajasthan. Availability of gold locally will boost gems and jewellery trade which is one of the major contributors to the state’s economy. It employs around 1.5 lakh people.”

The country too will immensely benefit by savings in the gold import bill as India is the biggest consumer of gold importing around 700 tonnes per annum.

In 2005, the GSI along with Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) acquired rights to mine mineral in Rajasthan. 

 A major breakthrough came when 2.5 crore tonnes of gold ore was found at Bhukia-Jagpura two years later. But, these discoveries were not considered commercially viable at that time.The recent gold discovery in Banswara is not the first time the region has yielded essential minerals. Rajasthan has provided around 80 million tonnes of copper till date, and the Thar desert has been yielding approximately 1.7 lakh barrels of crude oil daily since 2009.