Mining revenue rises 12.90% to ₹1,287 crore in Andhra Pradesh, says Minister

Mines and Geology Minister Kollu Ravindra. | Photo Credit: File photo The revenue collected by the Mines and Geology Department from April to August of 2026-27 stood at ₹1,287.33 crore, a 12.90% increase over the corresponding period last year, Minister for Mines and Geology Kollu Ravindra said on Friday.Revenue from major minerals increased by 53.50%, while that from minor minerals rose by 5.80%. In August alone, the department generated ₹311.57 crore, he said.Addressing a meeting after inaugurating the Office of the Director of Mines and Geology at Mayuri Tech Park near Mangalagiri, Mr. Ravindra said that while generating revenue, the department should focus on providing services in a transparent manner.He said the mining sector’s share in the State’s Gross Value Added (GVA) had increased from 2% to 2.09% and called for efforts to raise it to 3.70% by 2028-29.The Minister said 21 major mineral mines were auctioned in 2025-26, the highest number since the launch of e-auctions in 2015.He said 126 mineral areas had been identified across the State through remote mapping and another 49 through studies based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. A further 16 mineral areas were under active exploration under the Mineral Exploration, Research & Innovation Trust (MERIT).Memorandums of understanding had been signed with the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute to assess the prospects for exploring lithium and gallium in the Kadapa basin, he said. The A.P. Titanium and Rare Earth Magnet Policy had also been formulated to tap the potential of beach sand mineral resources.Director of Mines W.B. Chandrasekhar and other senior officials participated in the meeting. Published - September 04, 2026 11:24 pm IST