Panaji, Aug 9 - Known for attracting millions of tourists to its sun-kissed 'golden' beaches, Goa now might as well brace for a frenzied gold rush.

For, according to a draft mineral policy tabled in the recently concluded monsoon session of the state legislative assembly, Goa possibly has a significant deposit of gold deposits.

'Residual placer deposits such as those of gold should be actively investigated,' reads the draft mineral policy document, which was tabled in the house for scrutiny last week.

Placer deposits are packed accumulations of valuable minerals formed by deposition of dense minerals trapped together under the earth over thousands of years.

The draft, which has been projected by the state government as the future guiding policy vis-a-vis mineral extraction in Goa, also advocates commissioning of studies to scout for minerals off Goa's coast.

'Ilmenite and possibly monazite placers on the continental shelf should also be subjected to detailed scrutiny. Similarly, studies could also be carried out for offshore minerals along the coast of Goa especially for petroleum and manganese nodules,' states the report compiled by the state ministry of mines.