Naidu calls for developing A.P. as integrated strategic material hub

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Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday directed officials to develop Andhra Pradesh as an Integrated Strategic Material Hub, emphasising the need for effective utilisation and value addition of valuable minerals such as beach sand minerals available in the State.

Mr. Naidu reviewed the functioning of the Mining Department at the Secretariat and discussed with officials the proposed Andhra Pradesh Titanium and Strategic Materials Mission. He said the Mission was expected to attract large investments and generate thousands of employment opportunities, thereby giving a major boost to the State’s industrial growth.

The Chief Minister said the Mission should target investments of ₹50,000 crore and the creation of about 40,000 jobs over the next 10 years. He also asked officials to study the policies adopted by the Union government and other States regarding rare minerals and explore opportunities for value addition.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that the beach sand minerals available along the State’s coastline were among the most valuable in the country and were critical for several key industries. They said that to ensure efficient utilisation of these resources, the government was proposing to establish three major processing parks.

The proposed facilities include a Titanium Park at Srikakulam with a production target of 1.5 million tonnes per year, a Rare Earth Corridor at Anakapalli with a production target of 25,000 tonnes per year, and an Integrated Titanium and Rare Earth Corridor at Machilipatnam.

Minister Kollu Ravindra, Principal Secretary for Mining and Excise Mukesh Kumar Meena, and other officials were present at the review meeting.