KURNOOL: Gold extraction operations have commenced on a pilot basis near Jonnagiri in Pathikonda constituency following successful results from preliminary surveys.
A private firm, Geomysore Services India, is setting up a gold mining plant. It has begun the initial extraction of gold from the ore in the area.
In 1994, the Geological Survey of India confirmed the presence of gold deposits in Tuggali and Maddikera mandals. Based on this and following its own investigations, Geomysore acquired 350 acres of land in these mandals and took on lease an additional 1,500 acres.
The company has invested between '150-'200 crore in the project till now, including for the mining facilities, processing units, dump yards and water reservoirs.
In the preparatory phase, some 30,000 metres were drilled at intervals of 20 metres across the 1,500 acres landmass to assess the availability, quality and other aspects.
“The groundbreaking ceremony took place last Saturday. The company is in the process of setting up the plant. It will take time for the project to start full-scale production," explained a senior official from the Mines and Geology department.
The history of gold mining in India dates back to the 1880s, when the Kolar Gold Mine became operational in neighbouring Karnataka. Subsequently, the Hutti gold mines in Raichur in that state began operations in 1945. However, no gold mining was undertaken in the country since Independence. Geomysore's venture in Kurnool district marks the re-emergence of gold mining in India.
In addition to Tuggali and Maddikera, gold deposits are also confirmed in Ramagiri, Anantapur district. Some 25 years ago, an Australian company attempted to lease these deposits, but this did not materialize due to political reasons.
A representative from Geomysore stated, "We are engaged in mining activities worldwide. Our gold mining operations in Kurnool district is in progress as a pilot project. The government has been fully cooperative in providing essential resources such as electricity and water."
Tuggali tahsildar Ravi confirmed that the company has deployed machinery after the initial investigations this year. Land has been procured from local farmers.
