Chandrababu Naidu’s government has decided to take up gold mining in Andhra Pradesh to unearth the costly metal found about 185 Kms circumference in Chittoor, Anantapur, Kurnool, Guntur, Prakasam, Kadapa and Nellore districts. Experts estimate a dump of 35 tonnes available in these regions. Earlier in 2001, Bharat Gold Mines Limited tried mining here but stopped it since the digging costs were then more than the gold costs. Then one tonne crude metal used to yield 4-15 grams of gold.
But with the gold prices soaring high, experts estimate it to be beneficial even if one tonne crude metal yields only 1 gram gold. According to studies, gold availability is up to a minimum of 1.32 grams to a maximum of more than 10 grams per one tonne of crude metal now. Government is planning to dig it with the help of advanced technology and make this gold mining a huge source of income. Already 11 companies have filed bids for gold mining in various places of the state. Chandrababu will review the whole situation and take a decision very soon.
