Hans News Service Kurnool

Ministerfor mines and geology and excise Kollu Ravindra on Friday said the state government is focusing on expanding the mining sector to generate employment, increase industrial growth and strengthen the economy.

The minister, accompanied by Pattokonda MLA K E Shyam Babu visited the Jonnagiri gold mine operated by Geo Mysore Services India Private Limited near Jonnagiri village in Tuggali mandal and reviewed mining and mineral processing operations.

During the inspection, the minister examined underground mining activities, ore extraction systems, and gold refining processes being carried out with advanced technology.

He said mining operations are currently being conducted at a depth of nearly 300 metres and may be expanded further in the coming years. According to officials, the mine is producing around one kilogram of gold every day, while the monthly production has reached nearly 30 kilograms.

Ravindra said geological assessments indicate the presence of nearly 13,000 tonnes of mineral reserves in and around the Jonnagiri belt, making it one of the most significant private gold mining projects in the country.

Highlighting the state government’s mining policy, the minister said Andhra Pradesh possesses vast mineral resources with strong industrial potential. He noted that efforts are underway to identify and develop additional gold mining zones in the Ramagiri region of Anantapur district.

He also pointed out that rare earth minerals available along the state’s coastline have immense international demand and said the government is accelerating the tendering process for mineral blocks near Visakhapatnam.

The minister added that value-added industries based on quartz and granite resources are also being promoted to encourage manufacturing activity and create large-scale employment opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Shyam Babu said the Jonnagiri gold mine has brought fresh economic activity to the region by providing direct and indirect employment to local youth. He said nearly 300 to 400 people from nearby villages have already secured jobs through the project, reducing seasonal migration in drought-prone areas.