Geological Survey of India and Uttar Pradesh Directorate of Geology and Mining have discovered major gold mines in Uttar Pradesh’s Sonbhadra district whose combined reserves are believed to be five times that of India’s current holdings, Business Today has reported.

A total of two mines have been discovered in Sonpahadi and Hardi. As per a mining officer quoted by ANI, a site survey is currently being done and following its completion, they will be leased for mining at an auction. The site will also be geo-tagged.

The Sonpahadi mine is believed to contain reserves to the tune of 2,700 tonnes and Hardi contains 650 tonne. This translates to a total gold reserve of 3,350 tonnes.

This figure if confirmed would mean that the new discovery alone is five times that of India’s current gold holdings to the tune of 626 tonnes.

Survey officials have claimed that the gold will be easy to mine as it is based in a hillock.

Besides gold, the geological officials are also attempting to identify the presence of uranium deposits in the area.