Andhra Pradesh seeks to become a key player in critical minerals by increasing gold output and developing its beach sand mineral reserves, according to state Mines and Geology Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena. In June the state opened India’s first private gold mine at Swarnagiri in Kurnool district, where commercial operations began after the chief minister launched the project. The 405 crore rupee venture run by Geomysore Services India Pvt Ltd is expected to create employment and raise state income. Besides gold, officials have located about 16 critical minerals in commercially viable amounts along the Uttarandhra coast and in Rayalaseema. Roughly 182 mines along the 1060 kilometre coastline are thought to contain rare earth and beach sand deposits such as rutile, monazite and ilmenite, with total heavy mineral reserves estimated at 211 million tonnes. The Swarnagiri site covers 1500 acres and holds around 50 tonnes of gold resources. Initial yearly output is set at 400 to 500 kilograms, rising to one tonne next year and more than two tonnes within two years. Additional blocks in Chittoor district hold 16 to 17 tonnes, and six more gold blocks will be auctioned this year. Overall production could reach three to four tonnes annually within three to four years. Beach sand minerals in Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts include titanium bearing ores. The state holds about 25 percent of India’s coastal beach sand wealth. Officials aim to meet the entire national titanium pigment demand by 2029 30 through 700000 tonnes of ilmenite output. The mineral sector is projected to create at least 40000 jobs in mining, processing and value addition. Gold operations are more mechanised, with current employment of 800 people expected to grow to 2000 at Swarnagiri. One tonne of annual gold production may require about 1000 workers.
