AP targets Rs 50,000-cr push for beach sand minerals industries

Vijayawada: The state government is adopting a comprehensive strategy for the development of beach sand minerals (BSM), aiming to build a complete end-to-end ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh, mines and geology minister Kollu Ravindra said."The government is working with a holistic approach towards beach sand minerals, focusing on developing an integrated ecosystem that spans the entire value chain—from responsible mining and mineral separation to processing, manufacturing, downstream industries, research, technology development and skill creation," the minister said.He noted that such an ecosystem can succeed only through close collaboration between the state and Central governments, industry partners, technology institutions and research organisations. He stressed the need to strengthen capabilities in titanium- and rare-earth-based industries to ensure maximum value addition within the State.Principal secretary (mines) Mukesh Kumar Meena said the government aims to attract investments of over Rs 50,000 crore and generate more than 40,000 jobs over the next decade, positioning Andhra Pradesh as India's integrated hub for strategic mineral-based industries.