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Fact-Finding Panel Seeks Cancellation of Mangampet Barytes Tender
A group visited the Mangampet barytes mines to investigate concerns raised by local people.
Barytes is a mineral mined and processed in the area.
The group said government policies may be hurting the State, local businesses and workers.
It said the mine earns about Rs 1,300 crore each year for APMDC.
The committee also said the mine could be closed by 2028 under current plans.
It believes more barytes may still be available, including in waste material called overburden.
The group objected to a large tender involving 60 lakh tonnes of barytes.
It wants the tender cancelled, exports paused and the matter investigated independently.
A fact-finding committee inspected Mangampet mines and local barytes mills in Annamayya district.
The committee alleged government policies favor exports over the State, local industries and workers.
It said Mangampet barytes earns APMDC around Rs 1,300 crore annually.
The panel questioned a January 2025 tender for 60 lakh tonnes of CW-grade barytes.
It demanded tender cancellation, an independent inquiry and suspension of exports pending examination.
- Who
- A fact-finding committee including former officials, activists and the Mangampet Barytes Protection Struggle Committee.
- What
- The committee demanded cancellation of a bulk barytes tender, an independent inquiry and suspension of exports.
- Where
- Mangampet in Annamayya district, with the committee's media briefing held in Tirupati.
- When
- The committee inspected the area on Thursday and spoke to the media on Friday; the disputed tender was issued in January 2025.
- Why
- It alleged that current policies and the tender could harm APMDC, local industries, workers and the State.
Key facts
- Annual revenue
- Mangampet barytes reportedly earns around Rs 1,300 crore annually for APMDC.
- Tender quantity
- The January 2025 bulk tender covered 60 lakh tonnes of CW-grade barytes.
- Contracted quantity
- Emprada Mines received a contract for 50 lakh tonnes over five years.
- Committee demand
- The panel sought cancellation of the tender and an independent inquiry.
- Export position
- The committee demanded that exports be suspended until the matter is examined.
- Mine outlook
- The committee alleged that steps were being taken to close the mine by 2028.
- Reserve assessment
- The panel called for a scientific assessment of barytes in the overburden.
Sources
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