Bengaluru, Dec 09: The state Mines and Geology Department has prepared a list of 65 places where gold and other rare minerals are being studied and explored.
Large quantities of gold and lithium have been found in Koppal and Raichur. But since these areas fall under protected forest areas, extraction of deposits and detailed research have been stopped.
“For the first time and in a rare occasion, we have found 12-14 grams of gold per tonne in Amrapura block of Koppal district. Normally, during studies and mining, it is about 2-3 grams of gold per tonne. In the Hatti gold mine, only about 2-2.5 grams per tonne is being found. But the place in Koppal is in a virgin forest patch and we have applied for permission for forest clearance,” said sources in the department.
Karnataka is the second state in the country to have discovered lithium after Jammu and Kashmir Valley. The metal was found in Amareshwar in Raichur. "Even here, forest clearance has not been obtained. If permitted, Karnataka will be the first state to extract lithium," he said.
Lithium deposits were discovered in 2023, but no drilling work has been done. He said that in the last detailed board meeting held in November 2025, officials from state and central government agencies discussed the research and the permissions to be obtained.
The study and exploration of rare and precious metals is done in four phases. The first two phases combine reconnaissance, pitting and fencing. The last two phases involve drilling up to 500 metres and involve primary mining. The first two phases have been completed in Koppal and Raichur.