Gold mining push: India’s first large private gold mine in Andhra Pradesh set to begin production, DGML eyes 1 tonne output

India’s first large private gold mine at Jonnagiri in Andhra Pradesh is poised to begin full-scale production shortly, Deccan Gold Mines Ltd (DGML) Managing Director Hanuma Prasad said on Thursday.The project, developed by Geomysore Services India Ltd in which DGML holds a stake, has received environmental clearance in June and July, while state approvals are also being sought.“The project stabilisation is going on... it is only the technology of the plant which is being worked out... full-scale production will begin very soon,” Prasad told PTI on the sidelines of the CII India Mining Summit 2025.Once stabilised, the Jonnagiri mine is expected to produce 750 kg of gold annually, scaling up to 1,000 kg within two to three years.

“India’s production of gold as of today is 1.5 tonnes... once our mine starts, nearly one more tonne will be added,” Prasad said.India imports nearly 1,000 tonnes of gold every year, making it the country’s second-largest import after oil. The Jonnagiri project is located in Kurnool district, across Jonnagiri, Erragudi and Pagadirayi villages.Founded in 2003, DGML is India’s only listed gold exploration company with assets across the Indian peninsula, Kyrgyzstan, Finland and Tanzania.