KURNOOL: The Jonnagiri Gold Mining Project in Tuggali mandal of Kurnool district is poised to begin full-scale operations by mid-June, marking a historic milestone in India’s mining sector.
The formal inauguration is expected in the second or third week of June, depending on Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s schedule, according to B Karthikeyan, Managing Director of Thriveni Earthmovers and Director of Geomysore Services India Pvt Ltd. Developed by Geomysore, the project is India’s first large-scale private gold mining venture.
The mining lease was granted in 2013, and after securing statutory clearances, the project is now ready for commercial production. Thriveni Earthmovers holds majority stake, alongside Lloyds Metals Group, bringing financial strength and technical expertise to it.
“All preparatory works have been completed. We are aligning the inauguration with the schedule of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. The launch is expected in mid-June,” Karthikeyan told TNIE. Emphasising local participation, he said, “Around 90% of our workforce comprises people from Kurnool district, reflecting our commitment to regional development.”
Ambitious production targets have been set. “We are aiming for an annual output of 800 kg of gold in 2026-27, which will be scaled up to 1,000 kg in subsequent years,” Karthikeyan said.
He added that the project is about “setting new benchmarks in operational efficiency, sustainability and community engagement.”
Spread across mineral-rich zones in Jonnagiri, Yerragudi and Pagidirai villages, the project has already completed trial run, with the processing plant handling 1,000 tonnes of ore per day.
Once permanent machinery is installed, capacity will rise to 2,500 tonnes a day.
‘Economic landscape of Kurnool set for change’
Kurnool District Collector A Siri, who inspected the site, underscored the importance of timely execution of the project.
“This project has the potential to transform the economic landscape of Kurnool district. All departments must ensure swift clearances and coordination to facilitate smooth commencement of operations,” she said. The Collector reviewed ore extraction to refining processes and directed revenue authorities to expedite pending land acquisition.
Infrastructure at the site includes a state-of-the-art processing plant, tailing dam reservoir, waste management systems, power facilities, and administrative buildings.
“This is a significant milestone for India’s gold mining sector. It demonstrates the vast untapped potential of our mineral resources and shows what can be achieved with the right policy support and sustained commitment,” Karthikeyan observed. Drawing comparison with global leaders, he said, “Countries like China, Australia, and South Africa have built strong gold industries over decades. India is just beginning its journey, and Jonnagiri is a major step forward.”
Beyond industrial significance, the project is expected to generate large-scale employment, boost local businesses, and improve infrastructure in the drought-prone belt of Kurnool district.
At the same time, it marks the end of a unique local tradition. For generations, villagers used to search for gold particles in agricultural fields after the first monsoon rain.
With organised mining taking over, this practice is likely to fade out, though many residents see the transition as a positive shift toward stable livelihoods.
As anticipation builds, the Jonnagiri Gold Mining Project is set to put Kurnool on India’s gold map, ushering in a new era of industrial progress and resource self-reliance.
