(a) whether Geological Survey of India has undertaken survey work pertaining to mines in the country;
(b) if so, the locations where gold, silver and copper reserves have been found;
(c) the approximate quantum of these metals and minerals reserved in these areas; and
(d) the steps taken for improving the quality of exploration and exploitation of these metals and minerals ?
THE MINISTER OF MINES(SHRI SIS RAM OLA)
(a) to (d) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN THE REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 39 REGARDING MINING SURVEY ASKED BY SHRI RASHEED MASOOD FOR ANSWER ON 25TH JULY, 2006
(a) : Geological Survey of India (GSI) carries out survey and regional exploration for minerals.
(b) & (c) : Gold ore reserves have been found mainly in the states of Karnataka (Chitradurga and Raichur district) [17.61 million tonnes] and Andhra Pradesh (Kurnool and Anantpur districts ) [1.56 mt] .
Silver ore reserves are mainly found in Rajasthan (Chittorgarh district) [106.31 mt] and Karnataka (Raichur district) [7.27 mt].
Copper ore reserves have been found mainly in the states of Madhya Pradesh (Malanjkhand district) [227.14 mt], Jharkhand (East Singhbhum district) [75.89 mt] and Rajasthan (Udaipur, Dausa, Sikar, Jhunjhunu and Chittorgarh districts) [52.94 mt].
(d) : GSI has embarked upon a programme of modernization and acquisition of state-of-art equipment and latest technology. Exploitation of minerals is not within the purview of GSI.