Katni: Mineral Hotspot! Gold, Now Massive Coal Reserve Found; GSI Team to Investigate

• Madhya Pradesh's Katni district, already rich in minerals, has reported a new discovery of a large coal reserve.
• Coal is emerging along the Umdar River in the Salaiya Kewat area of Loharwara Gram Panchayat, Barwara Janpad.
• Villagers were seen illegally extracting coal from the sand mine ghat, leading to a temporary coal mine-like situation.
• This discovery follows reports of gold and critical minerals, and an MOU worth Rs 56,400 crore signed at a recent Mining Conclave.
• A team from the Katni Mining Department and GSI will survey the site to assess the reserve's size and quality, potentially leading to a new mine and revenue.

Why It Matters: Katni district has emerged as a significant mineral hub with new discoveries of both gold and coal reserves.