RANCHI, June 4 -- Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday stressed the need to increase gold production from the state's mines to give fresh momentum to the state's economic development, officials said.

The direction came during a review meeting of the mines department. Reviewing the seven gold mines currently operating in the state, Soren directed officials to focus on strengthening the gold mining sector through technological upgradation, investment promotion, and efficient management, according to an official statement.

"These mines currently produce around 20 kilogramme of gold annually. There is a need to increase the output. Jharkhand has significant potential for gold reserves, and a planned and scientific approach is required i...