Bhubaneswar, Nov 29 (IANS): Odisha has discovered new mineral deposits of around 431 million tonne (MT) in 10 districts of the state, Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Mallick informed the state assembly in a written reply.

"The state has discovered 431 MT mineral deposits including iron ore, manganese, bauxite, gemstones and graphite," the minister said Friday.

"Around 210 million tonnes of new iron ore deposits have been found in Keonjhar and Sundargarh district. While new manganese ore deposits have been traced in Sundargarh district."

The minister said that new bauxite deposits have been found in Rayagada, Kalahandi, Koraput, Kandhamal and Sundargarh districts. While 49 MT of bauxite deposits have been found in Rayagada, 88 MT of bauxite deposits have been discovered in Kalahandi, 49 MT in Koraput and 33 MT in Kandhamal.

"The government has traced gem stone deposits in Mayurbhanj district and graphite deposits in Angul district," Mallick added.