In a landmark announcement for India’s mineral exploration sector, Deccan Gold Mines Limited has reported a potentially significant Nickel-Copper-PGE (Platinum Group Elements) discovery at its Bhalukona Project in Chhattisgarh. This major find marks India’s first confirmed mineralised zone of its kind, aligning with national interests in securing critical minerals for the future of clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and national security.

The discovery was made on the 30 sq. km Bhalukona-Jamnidih Composite Licence area, located in Basana Tehsil of Mahasamund District, Chhattisgarh. Geological mapping, rock chip and soil sampling, drone magnetic surveys, and Induced Polarisation (IP) geophysical studies were conducted, revealing a 700-meter-long mineralised corridor enriched with Nickel, Copper, and PGEs.

This Nickel Copper PGE discovery news is an important breakthrough for the Deccan Gold Mines, which remains India’s only listed gold and critical mineral exploration company on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) under scrip code 512068.

Major Exploration Highlights

• Rock chip and soil sampling identified a 700-meter long mineralised belt for Nickel, Copper, and PGEs.

• Geological observations show layered mafic-ultramafic sequences similar to Nebo-Babel (Australia) and Ahmavara (Finland) deposits.

• Drone magnetic surveys highlight repetition of favourable lithologies south of the main zone, under soil cover.

• Induced Polarisation (IP) survey reveals deep sulphide signatures, with anomalies stretching up to 300 meters below surface.

These results provide solid geophysical and geological backing to this Nickel Copper PGE mineral find in India, strengthening confidence in its economic potential.

Strategic Importance for India’s Critical Minerals Drive

This find arrives at a time when the Government of India has prioritised critical minerals under its strategic roadmap for Atmanirbhar Bharat, seeking self-reliance in vital raw materials needed for battery storage, renewable energy, and defence technologies.

Nickel and Copper are critical for electric vehicles, battery technology, and grid infrastructure, while Platinum Group Elements (PGEs) support catalytic converters, fuel cells, and hydrogen technologies.

By locating and initiating development of this mineral resource, Deccan Gold Mines contributes directly to the government’s goal of creating domestic mineral supply chains and reducing foreign dependence.

According to Dr Hanuma Prasad Modiali, Managing Director of Deccan Gold:

"For the first time in our country’s history, such a Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group sulphide mineralization has been identified. This discovery places India on the global critical minerals map."

What’s Next for the Bhalukona Project?

Deccan Gold plans to begin drilling activities immediately after the local harvest season ends. Concurrently, it will expand soil sampling to explore repetitions of the mineralised zone across the broader licence area.

The company holds the necessary forestry clearances for non-destructive exploration and drilling, allowing seamless continuation of its exploration strategy.

The discovery builds on the Bhalukona-Jamnidih Composite Licence, which was formally executed on April 1, 2025, by the Chhattisgarh government. The area, accessible through village roads and forest trails, has already undergone:

• Rock chip and soil sampling

• Drone magnetic imagery

• Geological mapping

• High-resolution IP surveying

These methods have provided layered geological information, highlighting multiple sulphide-rich zones, boosting the confidence in drilling plans and exploration scalability.

A Milestone for Ethical and Responsible Mining

With its operations, Deccan Gold Mines is also pioneering a new ethical standard in India’s mining industry, by balancing commercial exploration with environmental responsibility, local community engagement, and corporate transparency.

The company’s vision to become India’s leading producer of gold and critical minerals is built on a foundation of:

• Respect for land and local communities

• Clear operational guidelines

• Long-term stakeholder value

As the only publicly listed Indian company focused solely on gold and critical mineral resource development, Deccan Gold’s efforts are pivotal to reshaping the Indian mining narrative.

Conclusion: India on the Global Critical Minerals Map

This Deccan Gold exploration update solidifies India's role in the global search for critical minerals, as countries worldwide race to secure supply chains for the green transition. The Bhalukona discovery offers immense strategic value by boosting indigenous production of Nickel, Copper, and PGEs, which are currently imported at high cost.

The announcement reflects not just geological success, but also an evolving policy environment that empowers Indian companies to unlock value from underexplored terrains. With deeper drilling, repeat discoveries, and robust feasibility data, Deccan Gold Mines is well-positioned to lead India’s mineral self-reliance movement.

In the coming months, as the company proceeds to drill the identified sulphide targets, the mining industry, investors, and policymakers alike will keep a close eye on the evolving resource estimates. Should the mineralisation extend or deepen as expected, this will mark one of the most defining chapters in India’s mining sector, particularly for critical minerals needed for clean energy, technology, and defence applications.

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