After two decades of painstaking research,

the Uttar Pradesh Directorate of Geology and the Mining and Geological Survey of India

have discovered two goldmines —

one each at Son Pahadi and Hardi village — in the state that could collectively possess 3,350 tons of gold ore.

The gold deposits together could be five times that of India’s current reserves.

In Son Pahadi the gold deposit is estimated at approximately 2,943.25 tonnes,

while almost 646.15 tonnes could be found at the Hardi field.

India’s current gold reserves is around 626 tonnes.

The gold at both deposits could amount to approximately Rs 12 lakh crore.

Gold deposits found in Sonbhadra district by Geological Survey of India and Uttar Pradesh Directorate of Geology & Mining. K K Rai,

District Mining Officer says,

“Government is thinking of putting these deposits on lease for mining, for which survey is being done”. (20.02.20) pic.twitter.com/mgC7QW4Ufo

According to officials, a seven-member team tasked with geo-tagging and mapping goldmine areas visited Sonbhadra on February 20.

Officials claimed that the mineral-rich mines of Sonbhadra are easy to dig

give their geographical position as they are mostly situated on hillocks.

The officials believe that the government will begin the auction process once compensation payout and necessary approvals are granted.