The Bangalore-based Deccan Gold Mines (DGM) has identified new areas for gold mining in Kerala.
DGM has been engaged in exploration activities in the tribal heartland of Attapadi in Palakkad district during the past year, said VN Vasudev, the chief geologist at DGM.
"After obtaining the license, we took forward the exploration work that was initially done by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in Attapadi. We have found new areas of potential zones of gold occurrence," Vasudev told.
The company proposes to take up reconnaissance drilling to locate the primary sources of gold zones. "Our geologists are on the job," said Vasudev.
DGM is also involved in gold exploration activities in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
According to GSI, Kerala's gold reserves, first identified in 1962, are centred in and near Nilambur forests in Malappuram district and at Attapadi in Palakkad district.
Studies have revealed that Kerala's gold content is 13.88 grams per tonne of ore. This is happy news for the cash-strapped Kerala government.