Naidu directs statewide mineral mapping drive

Vijayawada: Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to undertake statewide mineral mapping to identify deposits of critical minerals, bulk minerals and valuable metals.

He emphasised the need for technology-driven monitoring of sand mining operations.Naidu held a review meeting with officials of the mining department and senior officials in the govt at his camp office. He asked officials to map mineral reserves across regions and focus on value addition through processing within the state. He said this would enhance revenue potential from mineral resources.The chief minister said there is significant scope for market capitalisation of mineral wealth and suggested leveraging the state-run AP Mineral Development Corporation for this purpose.

He directed officials to conduct a detailed study with experts on strategies for market capitalisation.Naidu said value addition to minerals such as beach sand, rare earth elements, iron ore, manganese and alumina could generate higher revenues for the state. He asked officials to examine the formulation of a dedicated policy and ensure that processing activities are carried out within the state.He also called for setting up clusters for rare earth minerals found in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states. He asked officials to identify deposits of high-value minerals, including titanium, ilmenite and monazite, and noted their importance in sectors such as electronics, magnets and strategic applications.

The chief minister asked the officials to study other potential locations for gold reserves, apart from Jonnagiri and Chigurugunta, where gold mining activities started. On sand mining, Naidu asked officials to strengthen monitoring using technology. He directed the installation of CCTV cameras at sand reaches and monitoring through satellite imagery and GPS tracking of vehicles to regulate extraction and supply.Officials informed that minerals have been identified in 126 locations and that mining revenue has grown by 18 percent. The chief minister asked officials to ensure strict regulation and maximise revenue from mining activities. He said the govt is supplying sand free of cost by foregoing revenue of about Rs 1,000 crore and stressed the need for proper utilisation. Mines minister Kollu Ravindra, chief secretary G Sai Prasad and senior officials attended the meeting.