AP targets ₹50,000 crore investments in beach sand minerals push
The Andhra Pradesh government has outlined an ambitious plan to develop beach sand minerals (BSM) through an integrated, end-to-end industrial ecosystem aimed at boosting value addition, attracting investments and generating jobs.
Mines and Geology Minister Kollu Ravindra said the State was moving beyond extraction to build capacity across the value chain, including responsible mining, mineral separation, processing, manufacturing, downstream industries, research, technology development and skill creation.
“The focus is on creating a sustainable ecosystem rather than limiting activity to mining,” Mr. Ravindra said. He highlighted the strategic significance of minerals such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon and monazite, which are critical for sectors including aerospace, defence, electronics, renewable energy and advanced materials. Titanium-bearing minerals and rare-earth elements, he noted, are central to high-technology manufacturing.
The Minister stressed that closer coordination with the Government of India, industry stakeholders and research institutions would be key to the success of the initiative. He underlined the need to strengthen titanium- and rare-earth-based industries within the State to retain economic benefits and employment.
Principal Secretary (Mines) Mukesh Kumar Meena said the government was targeting investments of over ₹50,000 crore and the creation of more than 40,000 jobs over the next decade. The objective, he said, was to position Andhra Pradesh as India’s integrated hub for strategic mineral-based industries.
Officials said environmental safeguards would remain a priority, given the ecological sensitivity of coastal regions. Responsible mining practices, rehabilitation measures and strict regulatory compliance would form core components of project approvals.
Industry observers said policy clarity and streamlined approvals could unlock the State’s BSM potential at a time when global demand for titanium and rare-earth materials is rising.