New Delhi: Yogi government may have just struck gold. The Geological Survey of India and UP Directorate of Geology and Mining have discovered two goldmines in Naxal-affected Sonbhadra district, where gold reserves are said to be five times than the country’s current reserve.

“The government is thinking of putting these deposits on lease for mining, for which survey is being done. Gold deposits are found at two places – Sonpahadi and Hardi field. GSI estimated gold deposits of 2700 million tonnes in Sonpahadi while 650 million tonnes in Hardi filed,” KK Rai, District Mining Officer told ANI.

The administration has continued the 7-member team for auction of blocks through e-tendering.

Apart from gold, officials are also exploring the possibility of rare minerals like uranium in the area. (ANI)