The last large-scale gold mine to start commercial production was in 1947 at Karnataka's Hutti. Interestingly, the mine that started before Hutti was the now-famous Kolar Gold Fields (1880), which gained renewed attention after the movie KGF.
On Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the ₹405-crore gold mining and processing project. Located across Jonnagiri, Erragudi and Pagidirayi villages in Tuggali mandal, the project is an important step towards strengthening India's domestic gold production capabilities. At a time when the country remains one of the world's largest consumers of gold, Jonnagiri brings commercial-scale gold mining back into focus.
Spread across nearly 598 hectares with investments exceeding ₹400 crore, Jonnagiri is expected to produce up to 1,000 kilograms of refined gold annually at peak capacity and has an estimated mine life of around 15 years. Current certified gold resources stand at approximately 13.1 tonnes, with exploration indicating the potential for larger resources across the broader mineralised belt.
Developed by Geomysore Services India and backed by Lloyds Metals & Energy and the Thriveni Group, the mine brings commercial-scale gold production back to India at a time when the country imports between 700 and 1,000 tonnes of gold annually to meet domestic demand.
B Prabhakaran, managing director and chairman of Lloyds Metals & Energy, said: "Jonnagiri Gold Mine marks the beginning of a new chapter for India's gold mining industry. 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."
He added: "Our vision extends beyond a single project. 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 to Atmanirbhar Bharat and a step towards creating a portfolio of globally competitive gold mining assets in the country."
The inauguration comes at a time when gold prices are at historic highs and market volatility remains elevated. In such an environment, the development of a domestic source of gold is not only commercially significant but also strategically important for India.
Jonnagiri Gold Mine marks an important step towards reducing India's dependence on imported gold and strengthening domestic production. The project is expected to generate employment, support local businesses and contribute to the regional economy through investment, royalties and taxes, the company said.
The mine is also expected to encourage further exploration and investment in India's gold sector. With additional exploration under way across the region, Andhra Pradesh is well placed to emerge as a leading gold-producing state.
As commercial production begins, Jonnagiri lays the foundation for a stronger domestic gold value chain and supports the vision of bringing 'Made in India' gold to both Indian and international markets.
According to industry sources, though one small gold mine started production in Jharkhand after Independence, its production was insignificant and irregular. However, Jonnagiri will be the first large-scale mine after Independence.
The chief minister said industrialists are queuing up to invest in Andhra Pradesh because of the NDA government's credibility and governance. "Every district in Rayalaseema is being developed industrially. Massive investments are coming in sectors such as space, aerospace, defence, electronics, automobiles, steel, cement and clean energy. India's largest Drone City is being established in Kurnool," he said.
 "Andhra govt, chandrababu naiu")