GUWAHATI: Gold deposits estimated to be around 3,000 tonnes with a worth of Rs 12 lakh crores have been found in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) had discovered the gold deposits after two decades of search along with the Uttar Pradesh Directorate of Geology and Mining.
As per estimates, there are two goldmines with around 3,000 tones of gold - while the deposits in Son Pahadi are estimated to be around 2,943.26 tonnes, that at Hardi block are around 646.16 kilograms.
Officials have also reported the findings of other elements along with the gold.
According to the World Gold Council, Indian currently has 626 tones of gold reserves. As such the new deposits are five times the present reserves of India.
District Mining Officer KK Rai said that the government is thinking of putting the deposits on lease for mining. Further, a seven-member team has been set up for survey and soon auction of the blocks are to begin.