2 weeks ago
Andhra Pradesh eyes 4 tonnes gold output, 40,000 mineral jobs
Andhra Pradesh is a place in India where people are digging for gold.
A company started the first private gold mine in India there, at a site called Swarnagiri.
The mine used to be called Jonnagiri.
Machines are used to find and collect gold from the rocks.
Next year, officials hope the mine will produce about one tonne of gold — about as heavy as a small car.
The state also has special sand near the sea with useful minerals.
These minerals are used to make things like paint, plastic and paper.
India buys most of these materials from other countries right now.
Andhra Pradesh wants to make enough so India doesn't need to buy them.
The plan could also create jobs for around 40,000 people.
Andhra Pradesh launched India's first private gold mining project at Swarnagiri (formerly Jonnagiri) in Kurnool district in June, inaugurated by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
The ₹405-crore Swarnagiri project, operated by Geomysore Services India Pvt. Ltd, is projected to hold around 50 tonnes of gold resource and initially produce 400-500 kg per annum.
The state expects annual gold production to reach 3-4 tonnes within three to four years, with one tonne of gold saving $140 million in foreign exchange and yielding ₹100 crore in royalty.
Andhra Pradesh holds roughly 25% of India's coastal beach-sand mineral wealth, including 182 mines along its 1,060-km coastline and an estimated 211 million tonnes of heavy beach sand.
Mines Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena said the mineral sector could generate about 40,000 jobs, with Swarnagiri currently employing around 800 people.
By 2029-30, the state targets producing 7 lakh tonnes of ilmenite and 40,000 tonnes of monazite to help India meet its titanium requirements.
Andhra Pradesh was designated one of India's three Rare Earth Corridors in the Union budget in February, with a roadmap to attract nearly ₹50,000 crore in investment over a decade.
Six more gold blocks, including Chikurgunta-Bisanatham in Chittoor district with an estimated 16-17 tonnes of resources, are slated for auction or lease development.
India currently imports about 90% of its titanium pigment requirement, estimated at 4.5-5 lakh tonnes annually.
The state has identified around 16 critical minerals across the Uttarandhra coastal belt and the Rayalaseema ranges.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Mines and Geology Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena and mining firm Geomysore Services India Pvt. Ltd.
- What
- India's first private gold mining project at Swarnagiri, plus state plans to raise gold output to 3-4 tonnes a year and expand beach-sand critical-mineral production.
- Where
- Swarnagiri (formerly Jonnagiri) in Kurnool district, with more gold blocks in Chittoor district and beach-sand deposits along the 1,060-km Andhra Pradesh coastline.
- When
- The gold mine was inaugurated in June; production targets run through 2029-30.
- Why
- To boost state revenue and royalties, save foreign exchange on gold imports, make India self-sufficient in titanium and generate around 40,000 jobs.
Key facts
- Project
- Swarnagiri gold mine (formerly Jonnagiri)
- Investment
- ₹405 crore
- Operator
- Geomysore Services India Pvt. Ltd
- Gold resource at Swarnagiri
- Around 50 tonnes
- Annual gold output target
- 3-4 tonnes within 3-4 years
- Coastal potential
- 182 mines along 1,060-km coastline; 211 million tonnes heavy beach sand
- Ilmenite target by 2029-30
- 7 lakh tonnes
- Expected jobs
- Around 40,000
Quotes
Mukesh Kumar Meena
Mines and Geology Secretary of Andhra Pradesh
“"Our target is that by 2029‑30, we would be able to produce 7 lakh tonnes of ilmenite and almost 40,000 tonnes of monazite. Seven lakh tonnes of ilmenite can realistically produce around 3.5‑4 lakh tonnes of titanium pigment, which can meet the country’s 100% requirement."”
livemint.com
“"We expect production of 1,000 kg or one tonne from next year. One tonne of gold saves $140 million in foreign exchange. The state government itself will get ₹100 crore in royalty."”
livemint.com
Sources
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