National News
Major Gold Reserves Unearthed in Odisha: A Game-Changer for India’s Mining Industry
Odisha’s Gold Discovery Sparks Optimism for Growth in the Mining Sector, with Plans for Large-Scale Auction Underway
Odisha has emerged as a promising new hub for gold mining, following the discovery of vast gold reserves across several districts. Bibhuti Jena, the state’s Mines Minister, confirmed the exciting find and announced ongoing exploration efforts. The state is set to hold a large-scale auction of gold mining blocks in the near future to capitalize on this newfound potential.
Key districts such as Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, and Deogarh have been identified as hotspots for the gold reserves. Exploration is also expanding to regions like Malkangiri, Sambalpur, and Boudh, with more discoveries anticipated. In Mayurbhanj, areas like Jashipur, Suriaguda, Ruaansi, Idelkucha, Maredihi, Suleipat, and Badampahad are under investigation for their mineral potential.
One of the most notable discoveries has been in Deogarh district, specifically in Adasa-Rampalli, an area where gold traces had been found earlier. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is actively conducting G-2 level exploration in this region, revealing the possibility of multiple mineral resources, including copper.
Keonjhar district is also a key focus for gold exploration, with surveys being carried out in areas like Gopur-Gazipur, Mankadchuan, Saleikana, and Dimirimunda. These efforts form part of Odisha’s larger strategy to develop its mining industry and fully utilize its untapped mineral wealth. The state government is closely involved, and the upcoming auction of gold mining blocks in Deogarh is seen as a major step forward.
The exploration is being carefully monitored by state authorities, the GSI, and the Odisha Mining Corporation, with technical committees set to review the final exploration reports to assess the viability of commercial mining. Early findings suggest promising potential, and final results are expected by the end of 2025.
This discovery further solidifies Odisha’s reputation as a mineral-rich state, while positioning India as a key player on the global mining stage. If the reserves prove commercially viable, the gold deposits could provide a significant economic boost, drawing both domestic and international investments into the country’s mining sector.
National News
GJC Engages With RBI, Ministry of Finance on Gold Monetization Scheme Revamp
The proposed Model is Designed to Address Existing Structural Inefficiencies and Significantly Enhance the Scheme’s Adoption
GJC has been actively engaging with senior officials of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to advance a comprehensive revamp of the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS).
GJC has submitted a refined, jeweller-integrated framework for GMS, developed through structured stakeholder consultations across the banking, refining, and jewellery sectors. The proposed model is designed to address existing structural inefficiencies and significantly enhance the scheme’s adoption and effectiveness.
The proposed GMS operates within the existing regulatory framework notified by the RBI and the Government of India, ensuring full compliance, institutional oversight, and financial system integrity. The framework builds on the current scheme architecture while introducing operational efficiencies and stakeholder alignment.
A central feature of the proposal is the formal transition towards a digital gold ecosystem, whereby physical gold is converted into dematerialised gold balances held within the banking system through structured account mechanisms.
In recent years, investment demand in gold bullion and coins has witnessed strong and sustained growth, reflecting increasing investor preference for physical gold as a store of value. The revamped GMS framework seeks to effectively leverage this trend by enabling investors to seamlessly monetise such holdings.
The scheme provides an avenue for investors to earn a return on idle gold assets, including bullion, coins, and jewellery, by integrating them into the formal financial system. This converts traditionally non-yielding assets into interest-bearing financial instruments, thereby enhancing portfolio efficiency without requiring liquidation of gold holdings.
The revised framework is anchored on robust governance principles:
• Transparency: End-to-end digital recording of transactions, including deposit, assay, dematerialisation, and credit.
• Traceability: System-based tracking of gold across the value chain, supported by verifiable documentation and audit trails.
• Accountability: Clearly defined responsibilities for all participants, reinforced through KYC compliance, documented consent, and regulatory supervision.
This structure ensures a secure, compliant, and auditable gold monetisation ecosystem, addressing key concerns under the existing scheme.
The proposed framework is expected to materially improve gold mobilisation by leveraging the reach and trust of the jewellery trade. Enhanced mobilisation of idle gold can reduce dependence on imports, support domestic supply, and contribute to the moderation of the Current Account Deficit (CAD).
Further, the shift towards a regulated digital gold framework will strengthen formalisation, improve compliance standards, and enhance overall market efficiency.
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman of GJC, said,

“GJC’s continued engagement with the Reserve Bank of India and the Ministry of Finance reflects our commitment to building a robust and future-ready Gold Monetisation framework. The proposed model integrates jewellers into a regulated, digital ecosystem, significantly enhancing transparency, trust, and accessibility for consumers. By unlocking the value of idle gold, the scheme has the potential to strengthen domestic supply, reduce reliance on imports, and contribute meaningfully to India’s macroeconomic stability.”
Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman of GJC, said,
“The revamped GMS framework is designed to be practical, scalable, and fully aligned with regulatory expectations. It creates a secure and transparent pathway for gold monetisation, while ensuring accountability across all stakeholders. Importantly, it enables investors to earn returns on idle gold—including bullion, coins, and jewellery—thereby transforming a traditionally non-yielding asset into a productive financial instrument. This will play a critical role in formalising the sector and improving overall market efficiency.”

The trade is encouraged to support this initiative, which represents a significant step towards a regulated, transparent, and digitally integrated gold ecosystem in India, while unlocking value from idle gold holdings.
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