Lloyds Metals & Energy, B Prabhakaran, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday jointly inaugurated the Jonnagiri Gold Mine in Kurnool district, marking the start of India's first commercial-scale private-sector gold mining operation since Independence.

According to a company release, the mine, located across Jonnagiri, Erragudi and Pagidirayi villages in Tuggali mandal, is a major step towards strengthening India's domestic gold production capabilities at a time when the country remains one of the world's largest consumers of the precious metal.

Jonnagiri brings commercial-scale gold mining back into focus.

According to a company release, the mine, located across Jonnagiri, Erragudi and Pagidirayi villages in Tuggali mandal, is a major step towards strengthening India's domestic gold production capabilities at a time when the country remains one of the world's largest consumers of the precious metal.

Developed by Geomysore Services India Pvt Ltd and backed by Lloyds Metals & Energy and the Thriveni Group, the project has attracted investments of more than Rs 400 crore and spans nearly 598 hectares.

The mine is expected to produce up to 1,000 kg of refined gold annually at peak capacity and has an estimated operational life of around 15 years. Certified gold resources currently stand at about 13.1 tonnes, while ongoing exploration indicates the possibility of larger resources across the broader mineralised belt, the release said.

Courtesy: AOJ DESK NEWS