Officials have stated that the Mines Department in Rajasthan has commenced an e-auction process for the state's inaugural gold mines located in the Bhukia-Jagpura and Kankaria-Gara areas within the Banswara district. They further mentioned that the tender document has been made accessible on the Government of India’s Metal Scrap Trade Corporation (MSTC) portal.

Officials added that a gold mine auction is now scheduled to take place for the first time in the state. Mines Secretary Anandi stated that the department has completed all the necessary formalities for the gold mine auction in less than a month. Additionally, Anandi mentioned that the e-auction programme has been released on both the MSTC portal and the website of the mines department.

Geologists from the Geological Survey of India first discovered signs of gold in the Bhukia-Jagpura area of Banswara during exploration for copper. Following extensive exploration, they conducted a preliminary assessment, estimating 113.52 million tonnes of gold ore across an area of 940.26 hectares. Within this area, the amount of gold metal was estimated at 222.39 tonnes.

Anandi stated that during the mining of gold ore in the area, co-minerals will also be extracted. According to the e-auction programme, tender documents can be purchased until March 21.

The deadline for submission of technical bids is April 12, with the auction scheduled for May 2 for the mining licence for Bhukia-Jagpura gold mines and on May 3 for the composite licence for Kankaria-Gara.

Anandi remarked that with the auction of gold mines, Rajasthan will now be recognised on the world map as a gold mining state.

Following the discovery of gold ore indications during the initial exploration at Kankaria-Gara, a tender has been issued for an e-auction to proceed with further exploration. It has been revealed that Kankaria-Jara holds a potential of 1.24 million tonnes of gold ore within an area of 205 hectares. Additionally, apart from gold, other co-minerals will also be extracted from these gold mines.

She highlighted that this development will create unprecedented opportunities for both direct and indirect employment, as well as new investments in various industries. These industries include electronics, petroleum, petrochemicals, batteries, and airbags.

Additionally, she noted that new investments in industries related to co-minerals will generate abundant opportunities for revenue and employment, both directly and indirectly.

The Mines Director Bhagwati Prasad Kalal stated that individuals interested in participating in the e-auction process can register on the Government of India portal.

Image source: India TV