The Karnataka Department of Mines and Geology has identified 65 locations across the state with significant deposits of gold, lithium, and other rare minerals, according to sources. Preliminary surveys indicate that Koppal and Raichur districts show the highest concentrations of these valuable minerals. However, these areas fall within protected forest zones, delaying detailed exploration and mining activities.
Of the 65 locations, 57 are being surveyed in collaboration with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), while the remaining eight sites involve private companies conducting exploratory studies. The department has highlighted deposits of platinum group metals, bauxite, copper, cobalt, nickel, sillimanite, tungsten, vanadium, uranium, diamonds, columbite-tantalite, manganese, chromite, cyanite, and xenotime, among other rare and economically significant minerals.
According to departmental sources, “In Amrapur block of Koppal district, our studies revealed unusually high concentrations of gold, with 12–14 grams per ton. Typically, gold exploration yields around 2–3 grams per ton. Even in Hatti gold deposits, it is only 2–2.5 grams per ton. However, as this site is inside a protected forest, we have submitted applications for forest clearance to conduct formal exploration.”
The discovery of lithium in Raichur’s Amareshwar area is being seen as a major development. Following the earlier discovery in Jammu and Kashmir, this represents only the second lithium find in the country. Officials noted that if mining permissions are granted, Karnataka could become the first Indian state to commercially exploit lithium resources.
The department has outlined a four-phase approach for rare mineral exploration and extraction. The first two phases include site surveys, pitting, and initial sampling, while the last two phases involve preliminary mining operations extending up to 500 meters. In Koppal and Raichur, the first two phases have been completed, but no further mining activity has been initiated due to environmental and regulatory restrictions.
While gold deposits were first identified in Amrapur in 2020 and lithium in 2023, extraction has yet to commence. Officials report persistent threats and interference from individuals attempting to illegally exploit resources, raising safety concerns for departmental staff.
There is significant pressure on the forest authorities to grant the necessary clearances. Proposals include lithium mining in Lingasugur Reserved Forest and gold extraction in Amrapur Reserved Forest in Kushtagi. However, officials maintain that mining cannot proceed in protected forests due to their ecological importance, arguing that preserving forest wealth is essential alongside resource development.
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