India’s First Private Gold Mine Begins
India’s first major private-sector gold mining project since Independence has begun commercial operations at Swarnagiri, formerly Jonnagiri, in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, marking a key milestone for domestic mineral production.
Swarnagiri Gold Mine In Andhra Pradesh
The Swarnagiri gold project is located in Tuggali mandal of Kurnool district and has been developed as an integrated private gold mining and processing operation. The project was inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The village earlier known as Jonnagiri has been renamed Swarnagiri, reflecting the region’s historic association with gold deposits. The project is being seen as an important step in expanding India’s domestic gold mining capacity.
India’s First Private Gold Mine
The mine is operated by Geomysore Services India Pvt. Ltd., with Deccan Gold Mines associated with the project. The investment in the mining and processing facility is estimated at more than ₹400 crore.
Trial production had begun earlier, and the project has now moved into commercial operations. Initial production is expected to be around 400 kg of gold in 2026-27, with annual output projected to rise close to 900 kg and potentially up to one tonne in the coming years.
Domestic Gold Production Boost
The Swarnagiri project is expected to generate hundreds of jobs, with a significant share of employment going to local communities. The Andhra Pradesh government is also expected to benefit through royalties and other statutory payments linked to gold production.
India remains one of the world’s largest gold consumers and depends heavily on imports. While the Swarnagiri project alone will not sharply reduce import dependence, it marks a major opening for private participation in gold mining and could encourage further exploration in Andhra Pradesh.
