Mines-to-market integration: Gold mining lands on policy makers' table

Experts say policy incomplete without promoting mining, India has potential to mine 100 tonnes of the metal per year

The issue of gold mining has made it to the policy makers’ table for the first time. The reason, according to sources, is that Department of Economic Affairs is considering a proposal to promote domestic gold mining as part of the comprehensive gold policy that is being finalised.

It could not be ascertained whether mining will be taken up in first phase or subsequently as views of mining and forest ministries have to be factored in. However, industry experts have said quoting government reports that at least 100 tonnes of gold can be mined a year in India, from