Focus on advanced exploration technology, private investment to boost domestic gold production and cut import dependence
Hamirpur/New Delhi, November 12: A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel, chaired by Hamirpur MP and former Union Cabinet Minister Anurag Thakur, has reviewed India’s gold mining potential and the status of Bharat Gold Mines Limited (BGML), with a focus on unlocking untapped domestic resources and reducing dependence on imported gold.
The meeting examined ways to maximise the utilisation of India’s gold reserves in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The Ministry of Mines briefed the committee on BGML’s available reserves and the prospects of recovering gold and other valuable minerals from legacy tailings dumps using advanced technologies.
The ministry highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence, machine learning, drone-based surveys and aero-geophysical mapping to identify mineral deposits and convert potential resources into commercially viable mining reserves.
The committee was informed that India has more than 650 tonnes of gold metal in primary ore resources, although only a limited portion has been classified as mineable reserves. Since 2015, a total of 27 gold mining blocks have been auctioned across eight states, of which 16 are currently active.
Stressing the need to accelerate domestic gold production, Anurag Thakur called for greater private sector participation and investment in exploration and mining. He emphasised that modern technology, improved exploration mechanisms and an investor-friendly policy environment could help unlock India’s considerable gold mining potential.
He said effective utilisation of domestic mineral resources would strengthen economic self-reliance, generate fresh investment opportunities and help reduce the country’s dependence on gold imports in the coming years.
