Amaravati, June 24: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated a gold mining and processing project at Jonnagiri in Kurnool district on Wednesday. This marks the commencement of commercial gold production in the state.
Naidu also laid the foundation stone for the project’s second unit, which is being developed by Geo Mysore Services India Private Limited and Deccan Gold Mines Limited.
The Jonnagiri Gold Fields project, recognized as the largest private sector gold mining venture in the country, has been initiated with an investment of ₹405 crore.
According to the state government, the project is designed to produce 400 kilograms of gold annually in its initial phase. This output is expected to increase to 900 kilograms in the following year, ultimately reaching a capacity of two tons.
The state government has allocated 1,500 acres of land for this project, with mining operations set to begin on 600 acres in the first phase.
The initiative is anticipated to create job opportunities for approximately 700 individuals. The state government will receive a four percent royalty on the gold extracted from the mine.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also toured a training center where women and youth are being trained to operate heavy vehicles at the mining site using simulators. He flagged off heavy vehicles designed to transport mineral-laden soil.
Naidu personally inspected the gold production process, overseeing all stages from ore extraction to the final product. He reviewed various sections of the production unit and examined the finished products, including gold bars.
Prabhakaran, Chairman of Geo-Mysore, MD Naveen Lal Chand, and others provided insights into the entire process.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister stated that a golden chapter has begun in the state’s history, occurring in the heart of the ‘Land of Gems’—Rayalaseema.
He noted that the country currently imports 800 kilograms of gold, making it the second-largest import after oil. He emphasized that the annual production of one ton of gold will help conserve foreign exchange reserves and create numerous job opportunities for local youth.
Naidu remarked that the significance of Jonnagiri is not new, as the area has a rich history and was once known as Suvarnagiri. He mentioned that Suvarnagiri was one of the four capitals of Emperor Ashoka. Centuries ago, this region was renowned for its abundance of gold and gems, with Ashoka’s inscriptions at nearby Yerragudi attesting to its glorious past.
He added that Rayalaseema is known as the ‘Land of Gems,’ where treasures were sold during the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya.
The Chief Minister expressed pride in the state’s legacy of providing the world with the Kohinoor diamond. He acknowledged that circumstances had led to the risk of Rayalaseema becoming a desert. However, irrigation projects have revitalized the area, and gold mining will restore its former glory.
Naidu announced that the area will be renamed ‘Suvarnagiri’ once again. He stated that the village will be adopted and developed as a ‘Suvarnagiri Model Village.’
He concluded by affirming the commitment to transform Rayalaseema into ‘Ratnala Seema’ (Land of Gems/Prosperity), asserting that soon the entire country will discuss the Suvarnagiri Gold Fields.
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