52-year-old farmer finds gold worth crore on land, govt suspends all activities in site

PARIS: A 52-year-old farmer in France discovered gold deposits worth more than 3000 crores from his private land. The farmer identified as Michel Dupont from Auvergne found the priceless treasure. Gold deposits worth more than four billion euros was found underground.

The French government suspended all activities at the site. Stating that a clear analysis was needed on the issue, the government explained that environmental studies and legal aspects should be sought.

'While conducting routine inspections in the field, an unusual glow was observed in the soil. When I dug a little, I was shocked to find gold deposits. The news spread very quickly. Government officials also arrived at the scene after receiving the information. After preliminary inspections, the authorities announced that there may be more than 150 tonnes of gold in the field. The land has been sealed as environmental studies have begun.

Although it was discovered on a private land, France has strict restrictions on natural resources. Everything underground falls under the jurisdiction of the government. If private individuals want to own it, they need to get government permission. The Auvergne region is an area with rich biodiversity. Local residents are concerned that large-scale mining after the discovery of gold will have major environmental consequences.