Andhra Pradesh To Be Hub for Rare Earth Minerals: Kollu Ravindra
Government examines North Andhra's mineral potential and plans to boost local processing
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh is examining measures to develop its rare earth mineral resources and promote local manufacturing of permanent magnets, mines, geology and excise minister Kollu Ravindra said on Thursday.
The minister made the remarks after a delegation led by former atomic energy scientist Prof. Yugandhar Rao and an Andhra University professor met him at the Secretariat and submitted a proposal on the development of rare earth minerals in the state.
The delegation highlighted the potential of mineral deposits along the North Andhra coast, including ilmenite, rutile, zircon, garnet, sillimanite and monazite, and stressed the need to attract private investment for their extraction and processing.
The experts also recommended introducing specialised courses on rare earth minerals and permanent magnets in universities to develop technical expertise and manpower.
They said support under the Centre’s National Critical Mineral Policy 2026 could help strengthen such initiatives.
Ravindra said the government was examining the proposals and would bring them to the notice of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He said steps would also be initiated to inspect the Indian Rare Earths Limited facility.
Science and technology secretary Dr H. Purushotham and Prof. Venu Babu were among those present.