In response to Unstarred Question No. 769, answered on 04.02.2026 regarding the Sono Jamui Gold Project, the Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, stated the following:
(a) and (b): The Geological Survey of India conducted a two-year reconnaissance survey (G4 stage) for gold around Karmatiya, Boutha, Mahugaon, and Sono in Jamui district, Bihar, during the field seasons 2023-24 & 2024-25. The survey did not yield positive outcomes; therefore, no G3/G2 stage exploration was conducted. Furthermore, the Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited has not carried out any exploration activity in Sono, Jamui district, Bihar.
(c) and (d): The National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) has not funded any mineral exploration projects in Jamui district, Bihar.
(e): There is no proposal to auction the Sono Gold Block for commercial mining in financial year 2026-27.
Key Entities Referenced
Sono Jamui Gold Project: A gold exploration and mining project in Jamui district, Bihar.
Ministry of Mines: The primary governmental body responsible for the administration of mines and minerals in India.
Jamui district, Bihar: Location of the Sono (Karmatia) Gold Block.
National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET): An organization funding mineral exploration projects.
Geological Survey of India (GSI): Undertook reconnaissance survey (G4 stage) for gold in Sono areas of Jamui district, Bihar.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.769
ANSWERED ON 04.02.2026
SONO JAMUI GOLD PROJECT
769. SHRI ARUN BHARTI:
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has approved/sanctioned the G-2 or G-1 stage
exploration for the Sono (Karmatia) Gold Block in Jamui district of Bihar during
Financial Year 2025–26 and if so, the status of the drilling activities and timeline;
(b) the details of physical and financial progress of the resource estimation report by
Geological Survey of India (GSI)/Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) for
this block as on 1st January, 2026;
(c) whether funds released vs utilised under the National Mineral Exploration Trust
(NMET) for the Jamui gold project during Financial Year 2025–26 and if so, the details
thereof;
(d) whether a shortfall was identified in the assay results regarding gold concentration
(g/tonne) and if so, the details thereof along with the remedial timeline for re-
evaluation; and
(e) whether new approvals proposed for auctioning the Sono Gold Block for
commercial mining in Financial Year 2026–27 and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) and (b): The Geological Survey of India took up a two-year reconnaissance survey
(G4 stage) for gold in and around Karmatiya, Boutha, Mahugaon and Sono areas of
Jamui district, Bihar during field season 2023-24 & 2024-25. No positive outcome
could be established from the survey and hence, no G3/G2 stage exploration was
carried out. The Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited has also not carried out
any exploration activity in Sono, Jamui district, Bihar.
(c) and (d): The National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) has
not funded any mineral exploration project in Jamui district, Bihar.
(e): There is no proposal for auctioning the Sono Gold Block for commercial mining in
financial year 2026-27.
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