Prospectors and Exploration companies striving to strike it rich have been re-energised by a rare finding that could be described as a mini gold rush. In an unusual episode a mining company, Royal Nickel Corporations (RNC) Minerals in Australia unexpectedly strikes a trove of gold. One mining engineer of the Toronto-based company described the treasure as “exceedingly rare”. The discovery of two large quartz rocks contains 9,000 ounces of the mineral that is estimated to be worth 15 million dollars (approximately Rs. 108 crores). Interestingly, the employees came across to the findings at the Beta Hunt Mine—which reportedly the company has been trying to sell since April. Experts speculate the discovery to be the largest gold nuggets ever discovered. Gold Coins Worth 'Millions of Euros' Uncovered From Beneath an Italian Theatre. 

The gold-encrusted rocks were found about 500 metres below the surface in the area, supposedly three metres wide and three metres high. According to media reports, the most prominent specimen weighs between 200 and 210 pounds and contains more than 2,300 ounces of gold for a worth of 3 million dollars. The next one is of 139 pounds and holds 1,600 ounces of gold for a value of around 2 million dollars. A senior geologist, Zaf Thanos informed that in most mines around the world, it is only possible to see the gold through a magnifying glass. Beta Hunt Mine is located near the small town of Kambalda, Western Australia.

The company further stated that the gold contained in the stone was so pure that it did not even need to be processed. While sharing the achievement, Prof Sam Spearing, director of the Western Australia School of Mines at Curtin University told BBC, “Very, very seldom do we see results on that level. This is an exceedingly rare find and very exciting.” RNC Minerals Chief Executive Mark Selby informed that the largest rock would go to auction as collector’s items.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2018 02:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).