The launch of commercial gold production from the Jonnagiri Gold Mines in Kurnool district has sparked fresh momentum for industrial growth in Rayalaseema, with plans now being explored to establish a dedicated jewellery cluster in Kurnool. If realised, the proposed cluster is expected to generate employment for thousands of local goldsmiths, artisans and workers, transforming the district into a major hub for the gold and jewellery industry.

The development comes close on the heels of the official inauguration of the ₹405-crore Geo Mysore-Jonnagiri Gold Mines project by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on June 24. In a landmark achievement for Andhra Pradesh, the first batch of “Made in Andhra” gold produced from the Jonnagiri mines in Tuggali mandal has now entered the commercial market.

The gold is currently being sold as 50-gram, 100-gram and 500-gram biscuits, each carrying the Andhra Pradesh map, the inscription “Jonnagiri Gold Mines”, and the ‘999’ purity mark, indicating 24-carat refined gold. According to traders, a 500-gram gold biscuit is valued at over ₹75 lakh at prevailing market prices. Limited quantities are presently available with select jewellers in Kurnool’s Saraf Bazaar.

Industry sources said nearly 100 kilograms of gold have been produced and marketed in the initial phase. While demand for the locally mined gold has been encouraging, supplies remain limited. Company representatives said production would gradually be scaled up to ensure wider availability in the coming months.

Experts believe that increased domestic gold production will contribute to reducing India’s dependence on imported bullion, thereby helping conserve valuable foreign exchange. However, they clarified that the Jonnagiri gold biscuits currently attract the same GST and other applicable taxes as imported gold, with no special tax concessions.

The proposal to establish a jewellery cluster in Kurnool is being viewed as the next logical step in developing a comprehensive gold value chain within Andhra Pradesh. Besides boosting jewellery manufacturing and exports, the cluster could create substantial employment opportunities for traditional goldsmith communities, skilled artisans, designers and ancillary industries.

Courtesy: Metro India