THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR,
MARCH 19, 2026
In a development that could
significantly boost the state’s mining economy and attract fresh investments,
Odisha has reported new discoveries of high-value mineral deposits, including
diamonds, rubies and gold, across multiple districts.
Replying to a question in the state Assembly,
Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena confirmed that diamond-bearing stones have
been identified in Kalmidadar under the Nuapada block. He said experts are currently
assessing the technical, economic and allied aspects of the discovery, a
crucial step before any commercial mining decision is taken.
The mineral map of the state has
further expanded with the discovery of rubies in Hinjilibahal–Jilingibar under
Junagarh block in Kalahandi district. However, the minister clarified that no
pearl mines have been identified in the state so far.
Adding to the state’s rich resource
base, multiple minerals have been located in other regions. In Reamal block of
Deogarh district, copper-bearing stones, graphite, nickel and gold deposits
have been found in the Adas–Rampalli areas. Similarly, in Kuliana block of Mayurbhanj
district, traces of gold and copper-bearing stones have been reported in
Madanasahi–Kanjia.
Meanwhile, fresh indications of
gold-bearing stones have also emerged in Gopur–Jaladihi under Banspal block in
Keonjhar district, a region already known for its mineral reserves.
