India's First Private Gold Mine Is Now Open! Inside Andhra's 2,000-Year-Old Gold Field

India has entered a new chapter in gold mining with the start of commercial production at the Swarnagiri gold mine in Andhra Pradesh's Kurnool district. The project is the country's first operational private gold mine and is expected to significantly increase India's domestic gold output while reviving a site with a history stretching back more than 2,000 years. (Reuters/Representative Image)

The gold mine, earlier known as Jonnagiri, was officially renamed Swarnagiri by the Andhra Pradesh government before commercial operations began. The new name, which translates to 'mountain of gold', reflects the region's long association with gold mining. (Reuters/Representative Image)

Historians believe the area was an important gold-producing centre during the Mauryan Empire, including the reign of Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE. Ancient inscriptions found nearby point to the region's historic mining activity. (AP)

On Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the project and also launched work on its second phase. The expansion is expected to substantially increase annual gold production over the next few years. (ANI)

The gold mine is expected to produce around 400 kilograms of the yellow metal during 2026-27. Once the expansion is complete, annual gold production could rise to nearly two tonnes, making it one of India's biggest gold-producing sites. (Unsplash)

Developed with an investment of around Rs 405 crore, the project is spread across nearly 600 hectares in Kurnool district. The state government is expected to earn substantial royalty revenue from the gold extracted every year. (AP)

The project is also expected to create around 700 jobs, with a majority of employment likely to go to people from nearby villages, giving a major boost to the local economy. (Pexels)

Until now, Karnataka's Hutti Gold Mines accounted for almost all of India's domestic gold production. Swarnagiri is expected to increase India's indigenous output and reduce dependence on imported gold over time. (Unsplash)

Alongside the mine, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced plans to establish a gold jewellery manufacturing park near Swarnagiri. The aim is to encourage jewellery production close to the source instead of sending the metal elsewhere for processing. (PTI)

Officials say Andhra Pradesh has several other gold-bearing regions under exploration. If more reserves are developed successfully, the state could emerge as one of India's leading gold mining destinations in the coming years. (ANI/Representative Image)