In a significant development for Odisha's mining sector, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has discovered gold deposits in the Adas Rampalli area of Deogarh district. This marks a historic moment as the Odisha government prepares to auction its first-ever gold mine, according to state steel and mines minister Bibhuti Jena.

The discovery was made during a copper exploration by the GSI, which has also been conducting similar surveys in other regions of the state, including Mankanchuan, Saleikana, and Dimirimunda. Minister Jena revealed the details in a written reply to the state assembly on Thursday.

The gold finds in Deogarh follow earlier indicators of gold presence in the Keonjhar district, where preliminary surveys by GSI in the early 1980s and 1990s had hinted at potential deposits in the Gopaur and Gazipur areas.

This discovery paves the way for Odisha's entry into the gold mining industry, with the state government gearing up for the auction process, as reported by Times of India.