According to the national mineral inventory data released by the country's apex India Bureau of Mines, the total resources of gold ore (primary) and diamond are estimated at 390.29 million tones and 4.58 million carats respectively.
The import of gold in the last few years has been in the range of 700-800 tonnes per annum.
Apart from the regional exploration for gold and diamond undertaken by Geological Survey of India, since the year 2000, the Indian government has been giving prior approvals for grant of reconnaissance permits for regional
exploration of gold and diamond to various applicants, including private companies, said a statement from Ramdas Agarwal, Minister of Mines.
These may be converted into mining leases based on the outcome of the exploration, including detailed prospecting.
It said India has given approval for grant of mining lease for gold in favour of Jindal Saw Limited in Rajasthan, Ramgad Minerals and Mining Private Limited in Karnataka, Geo Mysore Services India Private Limited in Andhra Pradesh and Adi Gold Mining Private Limited in Uttarakhand respectively.
The government, however, has not conveyed any prior approval for grant of mining lease for diamond during the last three years.
