State aims at 32% growth in mining sector, says Minister Kollu Ravindra

The launch of the Jonnagiri gold mining project is a historic moment for Andhra Pradesh, one of India’s most important mining ventures, Mines Minister Kollu Ravindra said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the project at Geomysore Services (India) Private Limited’s gold mining project site near Tuggali, Mr. Ravindra said that the mega initiative has come true thanks to the vision and initiative of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Mr. Ravindra observed that the coalition government has given renewed importance to mining with the aim of making Andhra Pradesh a leading contributor to the country’s mineral requirements. He claimed that the mining sector suffered devastation during the previous YSRCP government’s term and the growth rate dropped from 24% to 7% during the previous TDP period (2014-19).

Criticizing the YSRCP regime for allowing illegal sand mining, poor regulation of mining operations and policies damaging the State’s mineral wealth, he said the loss to the exchequer was ₹19,131 crore.

“The coalition government has introduced reforms aimed at transparency and public interest. The free sand policy has ensured the supply of nearly two million tonnes of sand to people across the state,” he said.

Mr. Ravindra said the government has accelerated exploration for gold, beach sand minerals, iron ore and manganese to achieve a growth rate of 32%.

The Minister said that gold deposits have also been detected in Anantapur and Chittoor districts. “Auction procedures to facilitate mining there will be completed soon. The projects can position Andhra Pradesh among the key gold-bearing regions of India,” Mr. Ravindra said.