Andhra Pradesh Mining Minister Pledges Action Plan to Revive Mining Sector
Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Mines, Geology and Excise Kollu Ravindra announced an action plan to restore the state's mining sector and pledged to curb illegal mining activities. The minister cited a 40% growth in mining revenue to ₹3,000 crore since the NDA government took office and noted that administrative bottlenecks had previously hindered the sector. The initiative aims to clear pending applications, develop mineral resources including rare earth minerals, and address constraints affecting inactive mining operations and mineral-based industries.
During a review meeting in Chittoor district on Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh's Minister for Mines, Geology and Excise Kollu Ravindra outlined plans to revitalize the state's mining sector through an action plan and stricter enforcement against illegal mining. The minister attributed previous sector difficulties to administrative bottlenecks and excessive penalties over the past five years, but stated that corrective measures introduced after the NDA government assumed office have helped the sector regain momentum. He highlighted that mining revenue has grown approximately 40% to reach ₹3,000 crore and announced that twelve mineral blocks have been identified for phased auction. The minister emphasized that special policies are being developed for limestone, iron ore, beach sand, and rare earth minerals, which face increasing global demand. In Chittoor district specifically, where 682 mining leases exist but only about half are operational, the minister announced formation of a special committee to address constraints affecting over 500 mineral-based industries. The government will also examine concerns regarding forest clearances, revenue permissions, and no-objection certificates to facilitate investment and employment generation.
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- The HinduCenter
Minister pledges action plan to restore A.P.’s mining sector
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