Gold deposits in Bengal: Where are the 9 sites as confirmed by GSI? Read here

Beyond gold, GSI’s surveys have pointed to critical mineral reserves in the state. In Purulia, G2-level exploration is underway, with between 14 and 17 rare earth minerals identified. The Kalapathar–Raghudih block in the district alone has established reserves of approximately 0.67 million tonnes of rare earth elements — resources key to EV batteries, defence manufacturing, and electronics.

Between 2019 and 2024, the Centre launched at least 28 mineral exploration projects in West Bengal, targeting commodities including manganese, tungsten, copper and graphite across Jhargram, West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia, besides parts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.

Four apatite (phosphate) blocks — Pankridih, Purdaha, Chirugoda and Mednitanr — in Purulia have also been identified and are being readied for potential auction.

The Union Ministry has claimed that while several mineral blocks across India have already been auctioned, West Bengal is “yet to initiate the process” on many of the newly identified sites.

Speaking to The Indian Express, BJP leader Rahul Sinha alleged, “Because the state government didn’t give land, only 27 percent of the rail project could be done. Similarly, in the mining field they are creating problems because there is no cut-money option for them. This Trinamool government is only active in places where there is cut money — for instance, 100 days’ work and Awas Yojana. But projects like Krishak Samman and Ayushman Bharat aren’t accepted here because there is no scope for earning through ‘cut money’. No matter how many exploration projects the Centre completes, this government will not proceed further. They make tall claims at business summits, but those who come end up shifting their business to other states. Whether mining or any field, unless the state government is positive, not much can happen.”

Several TMC leaders The Indian Express contacted were unavailable for comment.

What is Bengal’s estimated amount of resources?

The Rudra prospect (Purulia) has been identified as the most promising identified site, where GSI has advanced to the G3 stage, which involves soil and bedrock sampling to determine drilling feasibility. West Bengal holds approximately 12.83 million tonnes of primary gold ore, primarily in Purulia.

Of this, the estimated gold metal content is roughly 0.65 tonnes (650 kg). While considered low-grade compared to Karnataka, officials say it remains commercially significant given current gold prices.