Overview
- The state’s steel and mines minister, Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, told the Odisha Assembly that diamond-bearing stones were detected at Kalamidadar in Nuapada.
- Assessment work is underway to determine commercial feasibility and to guide any subsequent exploration decisions.
- Preliminary surveys indicate copper, graphite, nickel and gold in the Adash-Rampali area of Deogarh’s Reamal block.
- Copper-bearing rocks with gold were reported in Madansahi-Kanjia, Mayurbhanj, and a gold reserve was identified in Gopur-Jaldiha under the Banspal block of Keonjhar.
- Ruby deposits were identified in Hinjilibahal-Jilingidar of Kalahandi, while officials said no pearl reserve was found and employment estimates are not yet available.