Andhra Pradesh targets ₹20,000 crore investment in rare earth minerals

The Andhra Pradesh government is preparing an action plan to establish industries focused on titanium sponge, titanium metal, and rare earth and advanced mineral processing. The initiative aims to attract investments exceeding ₹20,000 crore, according to Minister for Excise, Mines & Geology, Kollu Ravindra.

Speaking to the media at the Secretariat, Mr. Ravindra highlighted that Andhra Pradesh is home to the second-largest beach sand mineral deposits in India, after Tamil Nadu. The State’s coastal regions are rich in valuable minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, garnet, and titanium, which are highly sought after in global markets. Efforts are underway to harness these resources to generate wealth.

The Minister also noted that the State’s transparent policies and reforms have drawn interest from prominent companies, including JSW Steel, Vedanta, Hindustan Zinc, Ambuja Cements, Shree Cement, Dalmia Cement, and JK Cement. Their investments are expected to enhance resource utilisation, accelerate industrial growth, and create thousands of jobs.

In addition to rare earth minerals, Andhra Pradesh is advancing other key mining projects. The Jonnagiri gold project in Anantapur district, which holds 13 tonnes of gold reserves, is set to commence commercial production soon, marking a significant milestone for the State’s mineral sector. Exploration activities for iron ore and limestone are also progressing in 17 mineral blocks in Chittoor district.

Under the A.P. Minor Mineral Policy-2025, the State has seen a surge in investments and revenue. Over the past two years, more than 1,700 applications for mining licenses were received, of which 172 were approved. Additionally, 21 mineral blocks have been auctioned, resulting in the issuance of 11 mining leases and 10 composite licences.

The government has also made strides in sand mining under its free sand policy, supplying over 19 million metric tonnes of sand through 412 dispatch centres and 238 stockyards. Efforts to curb illegal mining have led to demand notices amounting to over ₹3,500 crore.

Looking ahead, gold mining prospects are being explored at four sites, including Chigurugunta in Chittoor district, Ramagiri in Anantapur, and locations in Visakhapatnam.