Andhra Pradesh commences gold production at Jonnagiri mine, plans more auctions
Andhra Pradesh, India, has commenced commercial gold production at the Jonnagiri Gold Mine in Kurnool district, operated by Geomysore Services India Pvt. Ltd. The mine, spanning 597.82 hectares, has attracted over ₹405 crore investment and employs 700+ workers. Production is estimated at 400 kg of gold in 2026-27, scaling to one tonne annually. The state government, under its Swarna Andhra 2047 vision, plans to auction several gold-bearing blocks, including the high-grade Chigurgunta-Bisanatham block, to boost investment and employment.
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Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu inaugurates Jonnagiri gold project in Kurnool district
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrabandu Naidu inaugurated the first unit of the Jonnagiri Gold Mining Project in Kurnool district on June 24, 2026, operated by Geomysore Services India Pvt Ltd. The project has an initial annual capacity of 400 kg of gold, expected to scale to 1,000 kg. Naidu called it the start of transforming the Rayalaseema region into 'Ratanala Seema' (land of gems) and emphasized creating a jewellery manufacturing unit to boost industrial base and skilled employment. The project has generated 800 jobs with potential for 5,000 total. Naidu also announced plans for a drone city, a High Court bench in Kurnool, and a steel plant by 2028. He criticized the opposition YSRCP for promoting divisive caste politics and defended the government's response to the alleged custodial death of G. Sai Krishna. He highlighted the transfer of 11,000 employees from CPS to OPS scheme.
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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu formally launched the sale of gold from the Jonnagiri Gold Fields (JGF) in Kurnool district on June 24, 2026, handing over the first consignment to local jewellery firms. The event marked the start of local sales from the GeoMysore Gold Mining Project. Naidu inspected mining facilities, visited a simulator-based training centre for women and youth, and flagged off ore transport vehicles. GeoMysore Services Managing Director G. Prabhakaran stated that gold deposits have been identified up to 800 metres depth and that the project will supply gold to Andhra Pradesh jewellers, boosting value addition and employment. He emphasized the project's inclusive development model and potential to reduce India's gold import dependence. Naidu also honored geologist Charles Davinish for his role in identifying the deposits. The project is expected to generate skilled local workforce and transform surrounding villages into model villages.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Andhra Pradesh to Auction Chigurgunta-Bisanatham Gold Block in Chittoor
The Andhra Pradesh government is set to auction the Chigurgunta-Bisanatham gold block in Chittoor district, a 273-hectare area on the southern edge of the Kolar Schist Belt. Geological surveys estimate 22.16 lakh tonnes of ore with an average gold grade of 5.64 g/t, significantly above global viability benchmarks. The block holds high-grade deposits, with the Chigargunta segment averaging 5.73 g/t gold over 20.43 lakh tonnes. Bids are open until July 9, 2026. Separately, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated operations at the Geomysore Services India Pvt. Ltd. (GMSI) plant at the Jonnagiri gold mine in Kurnool district, marking a boost to the state's gold mining sector. The block had been awarded earlier to NMDC in 2018, but NMDC surrendered it in February 2025 due to high patta land proportions. The area is part of the historically rich Kolar Gold Fields extension, which produced over 900 tonnes of gold before closure in 2001.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Jonnagiri: India’s largest private gold mine inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh, targets one tonne yearly output
The Jonnagiri gold mine in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, was inaugurated on June 24, 2026, by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. It is India’s largest private gold mine and the only operating one, developed by Geomysore Services (India) Pvt Ltd, part-owned by Deccan Gold Mines. The mine, spanning 597.82 hectares, holds an estimated 12 tonnes of gold reserves. It is expected to produce 400 kg of gold in the 2026-27 fiscal year, eventually reaching one tonne annually. The project involved an investment of ₹405 crore and is the first large-scale private gold mine in India since the Kolar Gold Fields closed in 2001. Andhra Pradesh will receive a 4% royalty on gold value, projected at ₹57 crore in the first year and ₹144 crore at full production. India imported 721 tonnes of gold worth $71.98 billion in 2025-26, making the mine's output a tiny fraction of national consumption.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Andhra Pradesh starts gold production at Jonnagiri mine, plans further auctions
Andhra Pradesh has commenced commercial gold production at the Jonnagiri Gold Mine in Kurnool district, operated by Geomysore Services India Pvt. Ltd. (GMSI), the only active private-sector primary gold mine in India. The mine, spread over 597.82 hectares, has attracted investments exceeding ₹405 crore and currently employs over 700 people, most from the state. Production is estimated at 400 kg of gold in 2026-27, projected to rise to one tonne per year and eventually two tonnes. The state government, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's Swarna Andhra 2047 vision, is preparing to auction several gold-bearing blocks in Chittoor and Anantapuramu districts, including the promising Chigurgunta-Bisanatham block with reserves of 2.2 million tonnes of ore averaging 5.64 grams of gold per tonne. Other prospects include the Boksampalli, Ramagiri, and six Javakula gold blocks, aiming to attract investment and create employment through transparent auctions and environmentally responsible mining.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Andhra Pradesh begins gold production at Jonnagiri, prepares to auction more gold blocks
Commercial production has commenced at the Jonnagiri Gold Mine in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, operated by Geomysore Services India Pvt. Ltd. (GMSI), making it India's only operational private-sector primary gold mine and the lone active gold mining lease in the state. The mine spans 597.82 hectares and has attracted investments exceeding ₹405 crore, providing employment to over 700 people, over 80% from Andhra Pradesh. Production is estimated at 400 kg of gold in 2026-27, with potential to rise to one tonne annually and eventually two tonnes. The state government, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's Swarna Andhra 2047 vision, is preparing to auction several gold-bearing blocks in Chittoor and Anantapuramu districts, including the promising Chigurgunta-Bisanatham block with reserves of over 2.2 million tonnes of ore averaging 5.64 grams per tonne. Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena emphasized scientific exploration, transparent auctions, and environmentally responsible mining to boost investment, employment, and long-term economic growth.
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