AP mining reforms boost transparency, revenue,says Minister Ravindra

Vijayawada: Asserting that govt has brought comprehensive reforms in the mining sector with a focus on transparency, mines and geology minister Kollu Ravindra has said that technology has been widely utilised to strengthen the state economy.

He said that policies were designed to promote industries and create employment opportunities.Addressing the media here on Thursday, the minister said the govt was working to ensure that the state’s mineral wealth benefits people rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few. He said the mining sector was being revived through systematic reforms. Ravindra said a white paper released after the alliance govt came to power revealed that the state suffered an estimated loss of Rs 19,137 crore between 2019 and 2024 due to shortcomings in mining lease management, illegal extraction, lack of transparency in auction procedures and revenue losses.The minister said the AP Minor Mineral Policy-2025 has brought major changes to encourage investments and improve govt revenue. The policy reduced annual dead rent burden, increased the lease period from 20 to 30 years and extended renewal periods from 10 to 20 years. The application-based system was restored in place of the earlier auction process to ensure transparency. “Following these reforms, more than 1,700 applications were received in the last two years and 172 new mining leases were granted, generating Rs 172 crore revenue for the state.

The mining sector recorded 262 percent growth compared to the previous govt period,” said Ravindra.The minister said the govt has accelerated mineral block auctions in accordance with the MMDR Act. So far, 21 mineral blocks have been auctioned, including 11 mining leases and 10 composite licences. He said leading companies including JSW Steel, Vedanta, Hindustan Zinc, Ambuja Cements, Shree Cement, Dalmia Cement, JK Cement and VNR Minerals have shown interest in investing in the state due to investor-friendly policies.Ravindra said the govt introduced a free sand policy to reduce the burden on people. Around 1.91 crore metric tonnes of sand has been supplied free of cost through 412 reaches and dispatch centres and 238 stockyards. Buffer stocks of 64 lakh metric tonnes have also been prepared for the monsoon season. “Technology-driven monitoring systems including satellite surveillance, drone surveys, GIS mapping, GPS tracking, CCTV surveillance and vehicle tracking are being used to prevent illegal mining.

Demand notices worth over Rs 3,500 crore were issued in illegal sand mining cases,” said Ravindra.Principal secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena and director mines and geology WB Chandrasekhar were also present.