Karnataka just found major gold and lithium deposits—but there's a catch

India Dec 11, 2025

Big news from Karnataka: the state has uncovered rich gold (12-14gm per ton in Koppal) and its first lithium-bearing pegmatites in Raichur.
These finds could give a big boost to India's supply of critical minerals, especially as demand for things like batteries keeps rising.

Nature stands between minerals and mining

Here's the snag: all these valuable resources are sitting under protected forests.
Current environmental laws mean no digging unless strict approvals are granted, since these areas are crucial for wildlife and local communities.
For now, Karnataka's mineral jackpot stays locked away—unless rules change or new solutions are found.