Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated a gold mining and processing project at Jonnagiri in Kurnool district, marking the start of commercial gold production in the state. The project’s second unit’s foundation stone was also laid as part of the expansion plans by Geo Mysore Services India Private Limited and Deccan Gold Mines Limited. With an investment of Rs 405 crore, the Jonnagiri Gold Fields project is hailed as the largest private-sector gold mining venture in the country.
The project is set to begin with an annual production of 400 kg, which will increase to 900 kg the following year and eventually reach a capacity of two tonnes. Covering 1,500 acres, the state government has allocated land for the project, with initial mining operations starting on 600 acres in the first phase. It is anticipated that around 700 job opportunities will be created by the project.
Additionally, the state government will receive a four percent royalty on the gold value produced at the mine. Chief Minister Naidu visited a training center where women and youth are being trained to operate heavy vehicles at the mining site using simulators. He also oversaw the gold production process at Jonnagiri, inspecting various production unit sections and the final products, including gold biscuits.
Geo-Mysore Chairman Prabhakaran, MD Naveen Lal Chand, and others briefed the Chief Minister on the entire process. In his remarks, Naidu emphasized the historical significance of Jonnagiri, known as ‘Suvarnagiri’ in the past, and highlighted the region’s rich history of gold and gems. He announced plans to rename the area ‘Suvarnagiri’ and develop it into a ‘Swarnagiri model village,’ aiming to restore its former glory through gold mining.
