Bhubaneswar: The state government has identified seven gemstone tracts along the Mahanadi river.
According to sources in the steel and mines department, the places identified are Naktimundi-Siali in Subarnapur-Bargarh districts; Badamal–Murusundi and Bikina Sonepur in Subarnapur; Boudh-Ramgarh, Bargochha, Kantamal-Manmunda in Boudh; and Jujumara-Bagdhapa-Tablei in Sambalpur district.
In Naktimundi-Siali deposits of rhodolite and almandine garnet have been found, while gem stones such as aquamarine, heliodor, amethyst, garnet, Cat’s eye, topaz and quartz have been traced in Badamal–Murusundi and Bikina Sonepur tracts.
Likewise, the government has found traces of chrysoberyl, zircon, moon stone, agate stone, tourmaline and topaz in Badamal-Murusundi and Bikina Sonepur tracts.
Rhodolite and almandine, aquamarine and amethyst gem stone deposits have also been identified in Jujumara-Bagdhapa-Tablei tract in Sambalpur, officials said.
Officials, however, informed that the government has not leased out these tracts to any private or public players for exploration. They added that the process is on to carry out exploration operations in these tracts as per the new Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act 2015.
Notably, Orissa, known as mini Brazil, for being a glittering land of gemstones, has assumed international prominence because of its wide array of coloured stones and diamond. Around 52 gem belts have been traced across the state including 28 gem bearing tracts that have been identified in past through UNDP aided exploration in Kalahandi, Nuapada, Bolangir, Boudh, Subarnapur, Anugul, Sambalpur, Rayagada and Koraput districts.
Gemstones like ruby, sapphire, aquamarine, heliodor, garnets chrysoberyl cat’s-eye, Sillimanite cat’s-eye, topaz, zircon, iolite, tourmaline and few others detected in these belts are of of very good quality, officials said.
The steel and mines department is also mulling a new gem stone policy and process is on to prepare a draft in this regard, sources said.
The new policy aims to curb clandestine exploration of gemstones and help government in generating annual revenue of around `60 crore from the precious deposits.
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