Chitradurga: The Hutti Gold Mines Limited will soon start mining gold ore on 100 acres of land at Ajjanahalli of Sira taluk in Tumakuru district.

Speaking to reporters here on Friday, Rani Satish, Chairperson of Hutti Gold Mines, said that the company was also planning to set up an ore processing unit at Ajjanahalli. “Earlier, it was planned to transport the gold ore from Ajjanahalli to Ingaladal in Chitradurga district for processing. But, this would entail huge expenditure on transportation and also give scope for corruption. Hence it is being contemplated to set up the processing plant at Ajjanahalli,” she said. Final decision will be taken at the board meeting of the company scheduled for December 27.

Rani said that the ore waste dumped in the vicinity of Ingaladal copper mines could be used in making cement hollow bricks or mixed with asphalt used for tarring roads. Earlier, it was proposed to use the waste as fertiliser for agricultural activities.

However, agricultural scientists confirmed the presence of cyanide in the waste. The dump therefore remains unutilised and the dust emanating from it has become a health hazard. A final decision on the alternative use would be taken after analysing the contents of the waste again, she added. She said that a blue print for revival of the copper mines was under preparation.