Massive gold & lithium deposits found in Karnataka’s reserved forest zones

New geological surveys trace high-grade gold and key lithium reserves in Raichur and Koppal, but mining faces hurdles due to protected forest status.

Karnataka, often called the land of gold and sandalwood, has once again proven its rich natural heritage. A recent geological survey by the state’s Department of Mines and Geology has revealed large deposits of gold and lithium across Raichur and Koppal districts. These discoveries add to the state’s existing gold belts such as Kolar Gold Fields and the Hatti mines in Raichur.

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The latest findings include a rare high-grade gold presence in the Amarapur block of Koppal, where soil samples showed 12-14 grams of gold per tonne, far higher than the 2-3 grams usually found in typical gold mines. Even the famed Hatti Gold Mine averages only 2-2.5 grams per tonne. Officials confirmed that the location is entirely within a reserved forest, making mining permissions the biggest roadblock.

Alongside gold, Karnataka has also traced fresh lithium deposits in Amreshwar (Raichur), adding to earlier discoveries in Mandya and Yadgir. Lithium, a critical component for electric-vehicle and electronics batteries, is in high demand across India. Although lithium was identified here in 2023, no extraction work has started because forest clearance is still pending.

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The mining department completed the first two stages of exploration, involving testing, mapping, and shallow drilling at 65 mineral-rich locations. The final stages, which include deep drilling up to 500 metres, cannot proceed without clearance. Officials also revealed that ground staff have faced threats from groups attempting to illegally exploit the resources and disrupt the survey.

Forest authorities maintain that both the Lingasagur reserved forest (lithium) and the Amarapur reserved forest (gold) are ecologically sensitive zones. They say there is mounting pressure to approve mining, but clearing protected forests is not possible without strict evaluation. Meanwhile, the Centre and the state have held discussions on the issue in November 2025 to find a way forward.

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Karnataka is currently exploring several rare minerals, including platinum-group metals, uranium, vanadium, tungsten, bauxite, nickel and more, in partnership with the Geological Survey of India and private agencies. Until full permission is granted, both gold and lithium reserves will remain untapped.