Naidu calls for comprehensive mineral mapping to identify high-value deposits in A.P.

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

The View From India Looking at World Affairs from the Indian perspective.

First Day First Show News and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming.

Today's Cache Your download of the top 5 technology stories of the day.

Data Point Decoding the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers

Health Matters Ramya Kannan writes to you on getting to good health, and staying there

The Hindu On Books Books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu suggests taking up a detailed study to enable state-owned Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) to commercialise valuable mineral assets.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to undertake comprehensive mineral mapping across the State to identify deposits of critical minerals, bulk minerals and other high-value metallic resources, while stressing the need to maximise revenue through value addition and scientific utilisation of the mineral wealth.

Reviewing the Mines Department affairs at the Camp Office in Amaravati on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said the State should focus not only on the extraction of minerals but also on processing them within Andhra Pradesh to generate higher economic value. Prepare detailed mineral maps covering deposits of critical minerals, bulk minerals and precious metals across different regions of the state, he directed the officials.

Mr. Naidu said Andhra Pradesh possesses significant potential for market capitalisation of its mineral resources and suggested that the state-owned Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) explore opportunities for commercialising valuable mineral assets. He directed officials to undertake a detailed study in consultation with experts.

The Chief Minister observed that substantial revenue could be generated by establishing value addition facilities for minerals such as beach sand, rare earth minerals, iron ore, manganese and alumina. Referring to mineral-rich States that have achieved revenue surpluses, he said Andhra Pradesh should formulate a dedicated policy on mineral value addition after extensive consultations.

Emphasising that mineral processing industries should be established within the State to create employment and increase revenue, Mr. Naidu also proposed the formation of a cluster for rare earth minerals found in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala, and called for a detailed assessment of reserves of high