Bhubaneswar, March 19 Diamond-bearing stones have been detected in the Nuapada district of Odisha, Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena told the assembly on Thursday.
Technical and economic assessment work is underway, he said, in response to a question by MLA Sanatan Mahakud.
The detection has been made in Kalamidadar, he added.
"Deposits of copper, graphite, nickel, and gold have been found in the Adash-Rampali area in the Reamal block of Deogarh district," Jena said.
"According to the assessment, rocks containing copper and gold have been detected in the Madansahi-Kanjia area of the Mayurbhanj district, while gold reserves have been found in the Gopur-Jaldiha block area under the Banspal block of the Keonjhar district," he said.
Jena said that after assessments, appropriate steps will be taken for the exploration of the mines.
"Deposits of rubies, a valuable gemstone, have been identified in Hinjilibahal-Jilingidar in the Junagarh block of Kalahandi district," he said.
The minister said that no pearl reserves have been identified in the state.
"It is not estimated how many people will be employed if the mines are operational," he said.