India’s Largest Gold Jackpot! 222.8 MILLION Tonnes of Yellow Metal Reserve Discovered In Jamui - A New Era For Bihar?

Bihar is poised to strike gold, literally. The state government has decided to permit exploration of what is believed to be India’s largest gold reserve in Jamui district, potentially transforming the state into the country’s richest in terms of precious metal resources.According to a Geological Survey of India (GSI) study first revealed in 2022, Jamui holds an estimated 222.88 million tonnes of gold-bearing ore, including 37.6 tonnes of metal content, accounting for 44% of India’s total gold reserves, said a report by The Hindu.Bihar’s Hidden TreasureThe findings mark a historic moment for Bihar, a state not traditionally associated with mineral wealth. “The Mines and Geology Department is now in consultation with exploration agencies such

as the GSI and the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) to begin preliminary (G3) exploration,” said Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Mines Commissioner.She confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a central agency is expected to be signed soon. “In certain identified areas, G2 (general) exploration may also be carried out,” she added.Despite the discovery being made in 2022, mining operations have not yet started. The project remains at the planning and consultation stage as the state works with central agencies to finalise the exploration process.Where the Gold LiesThe GSI survey identified Karmatia, Jhajha, and Sono in Jamui district as key locations rich in gold ore. These areas could soon witness large-scale geological exploration once the state and central agencies complete technical assessments and sign agreements.The Union Minister of Mines, Pralhad Joshi, had earlier told Parliament that Bihar holds the highest share of India’s gold reserves. In a written reply, he cited the National Mineral Inventory, which estimated the country’s total primary gold ore resources at 501.83 million tonnes, containing 654.74 tonnes of gold metal as of April 1, 2015. Of this, Bihar alone accounts for nearly half.India’s Gold LandscapeWhile Bihar has the largest untapped reserves, Karnataka remains India’s leading gold producer, contributing around 99% of national output. Most of this comes from the Hutti and Kolar Gold Fields, though both have seen reduced activity in recent years.In terms of distribution, Bihar leads with 44% of India’s total gold resources, followed by Rajasthan (25%), Karnataka (21%), West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh (3% each), and Jharkhand (2%). The remaining 2% is scattered across Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.A New Era for Bihar’s Economy?If exploration confirms GSI’s estimates, Bihar could soon emerge as a major player in India’s mineral economy. The discovery comes at a time when the state is actively working to attract investments in mining and industrial development.“This is a game-changer for Bihar,” said a senior official in the Mines Department. “Once exploration begins, it could open new avenues for employment, infrastructure growth, and state revenue.”How the Discovery HappenedThe GSI routinely conducts geological mapping and mineral exploration across India. During one such survey in 2022, scientists detected gold deposits in southern Bihar’s Jamui district. Subsequent analyses revealed that the area contains one of the largest concentrations of gold ore ever documented in the country.Officials said that with the Centre’s recent amendment to the Mineral (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, auctions can now be held even for G4-level exploration licenses, a move expected to accelerate projects like Jamui.Next Steps: From Exploration to ExtractionThe upcoming MoU between Bihar and central agencies will kickstart stage-wise exploration, starting with data verification and sample analysis. If preliminary exploration yields strong results, the state could invite bids for commercial mining rights.Experts caution, however, that gold extraction is a complex and capital-intensive process. Environmental clearances, technological investment, and proper revenue-sharing mechanisms will be key to ensuring that Bihar’s gold does not remain a “buried treasure.”A Glimpse of HopeFor a state long associated with poverty and migration, the Jamui gold discovery offers a glimmer of prosperity. If the exploration proves successful, Bihar could not only reshape India’s gold industry but also redefine its own economic future.In Numbers: India’s Gold Reserves

• Total national gold ore: 501.83 million tonnes
• Total gold metal content: 654.74 tonnes
• Bihar’s share: 222.88 million tonnes (44%)
• Bihar’s gold metal content: 37.6 tonnes
• Key Bihar sites: Karmatia, Jhajha, Sono (Jamui district)
• Year of discovery: 2022
• Current status (2025): Exploration yet to begin