Vijayawada: Asserting that the government has brought comprehensive reforms in the mining sector with a focus on transparency, Mines and Geology Minister Kollu Ravindra stated that technology has been widely utilized to strengthen the state economy. He said that policies were designed to promote industries and create employment opportunities.
Addressing the media here on Thursday, the minister said the government was working to ensure that the state’s mineral wealth benefits people rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few. He noted that the mining sector was being revived through systematic reforms. Ravindra highlighted that a white paper released after the alliance government came to power revealed that the state suffered an estimated loss of Rs 19,137 crore between 2019 and 2024 due to shortcomings in mining lease management, illegal extraction, lack of transparency in auction procedures, and revenue losses.
AP Minor Mineral Policy-2025
The minister said the AP Minor Mineral Policy-2025 has brought major changes to encourage investments and improve government revenue. The policy reduced the annual dead rent burden, increased the lease period from 20 to 30 years, and extended renewal periods from 10 to 20 years. The application-based system was restored in place of the earlier auction process to ensure transparency. “Following these reforms, more than 1,700 applications were received in the last two years, and 172 new mining leases were granted, generating Rs 172 crore revenue for the state. The mining sector recorded 262 percent growth compared to the previous government period,” said Ravindra.
Mineral Block Auctions
The minister said the government has accelerated mineral block auctions in accordance with the MMDR Act. So far, 21 mineral blocks have been auctioned, including 11 mining leases and 10 composite licences. He said leading companies including JSW Steel, Vedanta, Hindustan Zinc, Ambuja Cements, Shree Cement, Dalmia Cement, JK Cement, and VNR Minerals have shown interest in investing in the state due to investor-friendly policies.
Free Sand Policy and Technology Monitoring
Ravindra said the government introduced a free sand policy to reduce the burden on people. Around 1.91 crore metric tonnes of sand has been supplied free of cost through 412 reaches and dispatch centres and 238 stockyards. Buffer stocks of 64 lakh metric tonnes have also been prepared for the monsoon season. “Technology-driven monitoring systems including satellite surveillance, drone surveys, GIS mapping, GPS tracking, CCTV surveillance, and vehicle tracking are being used to prevent illegal mining. Demand notices worth over Rs 3,500 crore were issued in illegal sand mining cases,” said Ravindra.
Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena and Director of Mines and Geology WB Chandrasekhar were also present.
