Key Highlights
- A Copper deposit was found in Ambadih area of Bagodar, Giridih, according to preliminary geological survey results.
- Samples collected from the area also contained lead and zinc in significant quantities.
- Exploration in Bagodar began in 2023, followed by laboratory testing and deeper drilling.
- The discovery came after a major Copper deposit was identified in Bargunda, Dumri, also in Giridih.
- Jharkhand currently has copper mining activity at Musabani in East Singhbhum, operated by Hindustan Copper Ltd.
- Rising demand from electric vehicles, AI data centres and technology infrastructure has increased the importance of copper globally.
Ranchi: Jharkhand has found another promising copper deposit in Ambadih area of Bagodar in Giridih district, following the discovery of a major Copper reserve in Dumri. Preliminary results of the State Geology Department’s exploration have confirmed the presence of Copper-bearing ore below the ground. Samples collected from the area have also shown the presence of Lead and Zinc, prompting the department to expand exploration.
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Exploration Began in 2023
The search for copper in Bagodar began in 2023, when rock samples were collected and sent to the Geological Survey of India’s laboratory in Kolkata for testing. The report found Copper along with significant quantities of Lead and Zinc. The Geology Department subsequently stepped up exploration, including a topographical survey covering about half a square kilometre and drilling at three locations to a depth of around 200 meters. Ore recovered from these locations also contained copper and other minerals.
Dumri Already Holds a Major Copper Prospect
The Bagodar discovery comes after the identification of a large copper deposit at Bargunda in Dumri, spread over an area of around one square kilometre. Details of the Geological Survey have already been submitted to the State Government. Geological exploration in Dumri was carried out over four years under the supervision of the State Geology Department. Further work in Bagodar is now being taken forward under the supervision of Jharkhand Geology Director Kumar Amitabh.
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Jharkhand’s Copper Story Goes Back to the British Era
Copper mining has a long history in Jharkhand. Copper was identified in Musabani in East Singhbhum in 1923, during the British period, and mining is currently carried out there by Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL). Copper mining is also undertaken at Khetri in Rajasthan and Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh. If the Giridih deposits are eventually found commercially viable and mining begins, it could add a new Copper producing region to the State.
Rising Demand Makes New Finds Important
Copper is classified as a critical mineral, with demand rising due to electric vehicles, data centres and technology related infrastructure. According to the information provided by the State Geology Separtment, copper prices have risen by around 75% in three years, with prices on the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) around Rs. 1,400 Per Kg. Jharkhand Geology Director Kumar Amitabh said the results from Ambadih were positive and that exploration would now be expanded to establish the extent and potential of the deposit.
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