This is one of the biggest mineral discoveries in central India in recent years. Jabalpur is already known for its rich minerals and has 42 working mines that produce iron, manganese, limestone, laterite, and silica sand.
Published: August 8, 2025 12:35 PM IST
In Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, between the villages of Bela and Binaika in Sihora tehsil, people are excited after news of gold traces being found. For some time now, experts had been digging and testing soil samples in the area. Now, they have confirmed that tiny gold particles and metals have been found there. According to preliminary survey data, the gold deposits are spread across an estimated 100 hectares, and experts believe the quantity could run into lakhs of tonnes. If fully confirmed, this would place Jabalpur among the most mineral-rich zones in India
As soon as this news spread, there was joy and excitement in the villages. However, experts have also asked people not to get too excited too soon. Asit Saha, the Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), has said that while gold-related particles have been found, but it is still too early to say whether there is a big gold mine or a huge deposit.
It will take more time to find out how much gold is really there and whether it would be worth digging it out.
Village head Ramraj Patel said that as soon as the news spread that gold particles were found in their land, people in the village became very happy. Many villagers started visiting the spot where digging had been done.
He said, “Now people in the village have started hoping that if gold mining begins here, it will bring jobs, better roads, electricity, and other facilities automatically.”
GSI confirms gold traces
GSI (Geological Survey of India) Director General Asit Saha, who was in Jabalpur for a national workshop, confirmed that gold-related particles have been found near Bela and Binaika villages. He said these are early signs, and it’s too soon to say how much gold is actually underground.
Saha explained that while traces of gold were indeed found in the soil samples, more detailed investigation is still needed. He added, “It would be premature to say there is a large gold mine or a huge deposit.”
He also shared that GSI is currently working on over 40 projects across Madhya Pradesh, with the Jabalpur region being an important part of it. The area is known to be geologically rich, and valuable minerals have been found here in the past as well.
Mining only possible if gold is found in large quantity
Asit Saha explained that gold mining is done only when the amount of gold found is more than the cost of digging it out. If gold is present in the ground but not in a large enough amount to cover mining expenses, then starting a mine is not practical. So, saying anything about opening a gold mine right now would be too early.
Scientists still studying the findings
This topic came up during a GSI workshop held in Jabalpur. The theme was “Critical Minerals – Exploration and Exploitation”. Top geologists from across India took part and discussed how to explore and use valuable minerals. Special attention was given to the mineral resources found in and around the Jabalpur region.
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