Andhra Pradesh Minister Advocates Self-Reliant Mining Ecosystem at National Conference
Andhra Pradesh Mines and Geology Minister Kollu Ravindra emphasized the need for a self-reliant mining ecosystem in India during the Rastriya Khanij Chintan Shivir-2026 held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. He urged a focus on domestic mining and processing of critical minerals for sectors like renewable energy and defense to fulfill Prime Minister Modi's Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
In 2025-26, Andhra Pradesh issued tenders for 41 major mineral blocks, completing auctions for 10, the highest since 2015. The new Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Policy, introduced in April 2025, streamlined auction processes and improved efficiency.
The state also implemented a free sand policy, supplying over 20 million tonnes. The Gross Value Added by mining in Andhra Pradesh increased from 1.83% to 2.41%. The minister welcomed plans for a mineral processing park and called for establishing a Centre of Excellence in Machilipatnam. Andhra Pradesh aims to attract significant private investment and create 20 lakh jobs in three years.
