Jonnagiri Gold Mine opens in Andhra Pradesh as India’s first commercial-scale private gold mine since Independence

On Friday, the Jonnagiri Gold Mine was inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh as India’s first commercial-scale private gold mine since Independence. Located in Kurnool district, the mine was developed through Geomysore Services India Pvt. Ltd. and backed by Lloyds and Thriveni Group.

 
“Jonnagiri Gold Mine marks the beginning of a new chapter for India’s gold mining industry,” said Lloyds Metals & Energy’s managing director and chairman B Prabhakaran in a press release. “For decades, India has been one of the world’s largest consumers of gold while remaining heavily dependent on imports. Today, we are demonstrating that India can discover, develop, and operate world-class gold mining assets at commercial scale.”
 
The Jonnagiri Gold Mine is located across the Jonnagiri, Erragudi, and Pagidirayi villages in Tuggali mandal with a total area of 598 hectares. The project was realised through investments exceeding Rs 400 crore and the mine is forecast to produce up to 1,000 kilograms of refined gold per year at peak capacity with an estimated mine life of approximately 15 years. It will also generate local employment opportunities and is expected to promote further exploration and investment in India’s gold industry at a time of high global gold prices.

“Our vision extends beyond a single project,” said B Prabhakaran. “We aim to build a sustainable domestic gold ecosystem that supports economic growth, generates employment, contributes to national resource security, and positions ‘Made in India’ refined gold in both domestic and international markets. Jonnagiri is a true testament of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ [‘Self-Reliant India’] towards creating a portfolio of globally competitive gold mining assets in the country.”