Gold Glitters: 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' Vision! India Set for First Large-Scale Private Gold Mine Operations Since Independence

Gold Glitters: India Set for First Large-Scale Private Gold Mine Operations Since IndependenceAt a time when gold prices are soaring and India remains the world's second-largest importer of the yellow metal, the country is poised for a significant step towards self-reliance. India's first large-scale private gold mine since Independence is set to commence full-scale production from October 2025 in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh .

The Jonnagiri project is expected to provide a crucial boost to India's domestic gold supply, which currently stands at approximately 1.5 tonnes of gold per annum. Upon full operation, the mine is projected to initially produce around 500 kg of gold annually, with plans to gradually scale up the yield to nearly 1 tonne per annum. This planned increase is a significant addition to the country's limited annual production. Geomysore Services plans to produce a peak of up to 1,000 Kgs of refined gold annually for the next 15 years.

The project's commissioning comes at a critical time, offering the potential to reduce India's gold import bill, conserve precious foreign exchange reserves, and provide greater security against global gold price fluctuations. This aligns directly with the Government of India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) vision, particularly in securing critical mineral resources for economic growth and strategic independence.

The Jonnagiri project is built upon established JORC-certified gold resources of 13.1 tonnes. JORC-certified resources are estimates of mineralisation that adhere to the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, providing a standardized, transparent, and material basis for investors to assess a discovery. Based on feasibility reports and ongoing exploration, the project has an estimated upside potential of up to 42.5 tonnes (1.5 million ounces).

Project Status and Approvals

The project has secured major statutory approvals, including the Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board. These approvals permit 0.3 MTPA capacity ore processing and 0.4 MTPA mining operations.

The construction, erection, and commissioning of the process plant have been completed, with trial runs currently in progress. The facility is anticipated to commence commercial production, and the under-construction refinery is expected to be commissioned, by the end of October 2025.

"The Jonnagiri project provides a boost to the Government of India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision in the domains of securing critical mineral resources for economic growth and ensuring strategic independence," said B Prabhakaran, the prime mover behind the project.

The Jonnagiri Gold Project, located across Jonnagiri, Erragudi, and Pagadirayi villages, is spearheaded by B Prabhakaran and his family through their major shareholding in Geomysore Services (India) Pvt. Ltd.. The family, through Thriveni Earthmovers, Prakar, and Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited, holds over 70% of the shares in Geomysore Services (India) Pvt. Ltd., with Deccan Gold Mines Ltd. holding 27.27%. Thriveni Earthmovers, will be developing and operating the mines and the processing plant.

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