PATNA, NTI : The quest for mineral wealth in Bihar has taken a promising turn as the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Limited has applied for permission to conduct detailed explorations in the Ganga basin, specifically targeting the districts of Buxar and Samastipur. This initiative follows the heightened interest from central agencies in the gold prospects of Jamui district.
Harjot Kaur Bamhrah, the Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Mines Commissioner, confirmed to the Times of India that preliminary surveys have indeed revealed petroleum traces in the aforementioned districts. “The findings from ONGC’s initial survey are encouraging, and they have formally approached both the Government of India and the state government for the green light to proceed with further exploration,” Bamhrah stated.
ONGC’s report highlights the potential oil reserves within the Ganga basin, marking a significant step forward since their contract for exploration in the area back in 2009. The company has provided detailed geographic coordinates for the proposed exploration sites, along with maps and schedules, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the region’s oil potential.
The interest in Bihar’s mineral resources isn’t limited to oil. The state’s Mines and Geology Department has received proposals from three central government agencies, including the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL), and the Geological Survey of India, all vying to explore gold reserves in Jamui.
Bamhrah expressed optimism about the state’s mineral future, citing the new mining policy of the Centre as a catalyst for the discovery of additional mineral blocks. “Bihar’s landscape holds untapped mineral wealth, and the forthcoming explorations are expected to bring these prospects to light,” she added.
With the potential for both oil and gold reserves, Bihar stands on the cusp of a mineral renaissance that could significantly bolster its economic landscape and contribute to the nation’s resource pool.
