Hubli :

Hullambi, a nondescript village tucked away in the forest area in Kalghatgi taluk of Dharwad district is now attracting a good deal of attention, with reports of the presence of gold ore.

A team of geologists from the Geological Survey of India, Bangalore, and forest officers visited Hullambi two days ago and conducted some tests.

Geologists had in 2005 conducted a survey in the reserve forest area that falls under Tumarikoppa limits in Kalghatagi, and taken soil samples for testing. A positive report on the presence of gold ore in the top soil prompted geologists and forest officials to visit this place again for a further survey and test, said sources.

Udayakumar Jogi, assistant conservative forest officer, Kalghatagi, who is also part of the team, told TOI there are reports of the presence of gold ore in Bangargatti hill, bearing survey no 252 in Hullambi of Tumarikoppa reserve forest area.

“We conducted a preliminary survey in the area and also identified about 10 strategic points to dig pits up to 2-3 feet in depth to confirm the presence of gold ore. This process will be carried out by the Geological Survey of India, Bangalore, probably from next month as it has to seek permission to go ahead with its plan from the forest department and central government,” he added.

GSI, Bangalore, is likely to get permission shortly and begin its operations. After digging pits, the soil will again be sent for tests for a clearer report. “Our intention is to dig up deeper pits to confirm at what depth gold can be found,” he said.

It may be recalled that this is the second village in the district to report gold ore presence in the forest land. Exploration of gold ore was going on for a few years in Mangalgatti village of Dharwad district.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Bangalore> Namma Metro / TNN / July 12th, 2014