AP CM Naidu Orders Statewide Mineral Mapping
Naidu also directed officials to conduct detailed studies on additional gold-bearing blocks across the state.
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to undertake a comprehensive mineral mapping exercise across the state to identify deposits of critical minerals, bulk minerals, precious metals and other high-value resources
He stressed the need to maximise revenue through value addition to products and start mineral-based industries in Andhra Pradesh.
Reviewing the functioning of the mines department, the CM said the state possesses vast untapped mineral wealth with significant potential for market capitalisation. Officials must scientifically assess mineral reserves and formulate long-term strategies to convert natural resources into sustainable economic growth.
Naidu suggested that the state mineral development corporation explore opportunities for market capitalisation of high-value mineral assets in consultation with industry experts and technical institutions. Mere extraction of minerals would not generate optimum returns. Greater focus should be placed on processing and manufacturing activities within the state.
The CM highlighted the importance of establishing value-addition units linked to industries based on beach sand minerals, rare earth elements, iron ore, manganese and alumina. Local processing of these resources, he said, would substantially enhance state revenues, create employment opportunities and promote industrial growth.
He observed that several Indian states have achieved strong fiscal positions by efficiently utilising and monetising their mineral resources.
Calling for a dedicated policy on mineral value addition, Naidu said officials must hold extensive consultations with stakeholders and ensure that downstream industries are established in Andhra Pradesh rather than allowing raw minerals to be transported elsewhere for processing.
Underscoring the strategic significance of rare earth minerals, the CM proposed the creation of a dedicated rare earth cluster covering resources found in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala. He asked officials to assess reserves of high-value minerals such as titanium, ilmenite and monazite and promote their extraction for use in electronics, magnets and advanced industrial products.
He noted that these minerals are crucial for the country’s defence and nuclear energy sectors.
Naidu also directed officials to conduct detailed studies on additional gold-bearing blocks across the state. He pointed out that gold deposits have already been identified at Jonnagiri and Chigurugunta and said further exploration could unlock additional economic opportunities.
Officials informed the CM that 126 locations containing critical, bulk and other valuable minerals have already been identified and that mining revenue has increased by 18 per cent from existing operations.
The CM also ordered stringent monitoring of sand excavation and transportation under the state’s free sand policy. He directed officials to install CCTV cameras at sand reaches, use satellite imagery for continuous surveillance and implement GPS tracking of sand-transport vehicles to curb illegal mining and ensure transparency.
Observing that the government had foregone nearly Rs.1,000 crore in potential revenue by providing sand free of cost to the public, Naidu said strict monitoring was necessary to ensure that genuine beneficiaries receive the intended benefits of the scheme.
Mines minister Kollu Ravindra, chief secretary Sai Prasad, principal secretaries Mukesh Meena and Piyush Kumar, mines director Chandrasekhar and other senior officials were present.