The government today said that Geological Survey of India, GSI, has come up with findings that indicate the presence of new copper and gold deposits in Rajasthan, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Mines Minister Dinsha Patel said in New Delhi that GSI has made three significant findings- discovery of copper mineralisation at Khera block in Alwar district of Rajasthan and gold mineralisation in Tumkur and Sonbhadra districts in Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Mr. Patel said at the 50th meeting of the Central Geological Programme Board that the government is restructuring GSI, the prime provider of basic earth science information and 300 geoscientists will be inducted in it next fiscal. The Minister said GSI has proposed an outlay of 4,596 crore rupees during the 12th Plan and a significant share has been apportioned for continuation of modernisation programmes.

In October, the Cabinet had approved the restructuring of

GSI, which included increasing its strength by filling up posts over a 10-year period.