Patna. New mineral discoveries have brought great potential for Bihar, which was lagging behind in terms of mineral wealth for a long time. In the geological survey conducted between 2021 and 2024, mineral resources worth more than Rs 21 thousand crore have been identified in Rohtas, Jamui, Gaya and Jehanabad. The state government estimates that if these resources are converted into commercial mines, mining revenue of more than Rs 5 thousand crore can be generated annually.
The biggest treasure in Rohtas
Rohtas has a huge share in new discoveries. Here, about 13.01 crore tonnes of glauconite has been found in Pipradih-Bhurwa and Chutiya-Nowhatta area, the estimated value of which is said to be Rs 14,048 crore. There is a possibility of preparing potash based fertilizer from this. Apart from this, about 3.3 to 3.97 crore tonnes of high quality limestone has also been found in Bhora-Kathara area. Amjhor area of Rohtas is also important for pyrite. According to the report, about 95 percent of the country's known pyrite resources are found here.
Possibility of magnetite and gold in Jamui
About 4.84 crore tonnes of magnetite has been estimated in Majos block of Jamui. Its estimated price is said to be between Rs 3,817 crore and Rs 6,000 crore. About 64.9 lakh tonnes of magnetite has also been identified in Bhanta block. At the same time, about 222.9 million tonnes of gold-rich ore has been identified in the Sono area, of which it is estimated to contain about 37.6 tonnes of gold. Here is the target of trial production in 2027-28.
Important minerals in Gaya and Jehanabad also
Presence of vanadium-rich magnetite, ilmenite, rare earth elements and lithium-rich pegmatite has been revealed in some areas of Gaya and Jehanabad. They are used in technologies like steel, energy storage, electric vehicles, wind turbines and defense sector.
It will take some time to start the mine
Finding minerals does not mean that mining will start immediately. For this, processes like further exploration, auction of blocks, environmental clearance and mining lease will have to be completed. The state aims to pursue separate projects toward commercial mining between 2026 and 2031. In such a situation, the real economic benefit of these discoveries will be revealed only after the mines come into operation.