KGF had remained inactive after being shut down in 2001.

New Delhi: India is revitalising the world-famous Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in Karnataka in what has been described as a move that combines history with modern mining technology. Kolar Gold Fields is India’s first gold mine since independence. Once known as the “Golden City of India,” KGF had remained inactive for decades after being shut down in 2001.

How it started

The Government of Karnataka, in June 2024, approved a proposal from the Union Government for surface mining across 13 tailings dumps spread over an area of 1,003 acres of land once owned by Bharat Gold Mines Ltd (BGML). These dumps contain waste from past mining operations but are rich in residual gold.

How much gold is there?

According to official estimates, the dumps contain 32 million tonnes of material, these yield around 23 tonnes of recoverable gold, and annual gold production is projected to reach 750 kg once full-scale recovery begins.

Modern mining without deep shafts

Unlike the deep shaft mining methods of the past, KGF’s revival will focus on surface-level tailings extraction. Techniques like heap leaching and carbon-in-pulp (CIP), commonly used in modern gold recovery, will make the operation more viable and cost-effective, says trak.in.

Significance of KGF

• First gold mining restart since independence
• Potential to boost domestic gold output and reduce imports
• Symbolic revival of India’s once-thriving gold industry
• Job creation and economic activity for the Kolar region

The Kolar gold mines were nationalized in 1956 and provided a total of over 900 tonnes of gold. Once among the deepest and richest gold mines in the world, the KGF mines were shut down on February 28, 2001, due to high costs and reduced profitability.

Since receiving approvals from both central and state governments, initial surface operations will begin shortly. Full-scale commercial production is expected once environmental and operational clearances are completed.

The resumption of mining at Kolar Gold Fields marks a historic comeback for India’s gold mining sector. With 23 tonnes of gold waiting in the dumps and modern extraction techniques at hand, the move promises not only a boost to gold production but also a revival of national pride, says trak.in.