The Jonnagiri Gold Mining Project in Tuggali mandal of Kurnool district is poised to begin full-scale operations by mid-June. The formal inauguration is expected in the second or third week of June, depending on the schedule of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, according to B Karthikeyan, Managing Director of Thriveni Earthmovers and Director of Geomysore Services India Pvt Ltd. The mining lease was granted in 2013 and, after securing statutory clearances, the project is now ready for commercial production.

Thriveni Earthmovers holds the majority stake with participation from Lloyds Metals Group, bringing financial strength and technical expertise. Preparatory work has been completed and the workforce comprises around 90 per cent people from Kurnool district to support regional development. The processing plant completed a trial run handling 1,000 tonnes (t) per day and, once permanent machinery is installed, capacity will rise to 2,500 t a day.

Ambitious production targets have been set, with an initial annual output target of 800 kilogram (kg) in 2026-27 to be scaled up to 1,000 kg in subsequent years. The district collector inspected the site and underscored the importance of timely execution, directing revenue authorities to expedite pending land acquisition and interdepartmental coordination for swift clearances. Site infrastructure includes a processing plant, a tailings dam reservoir, waste management systems, power facilities and administrative buildings.

Project proponents contend it will set new benchmarks in operational efficiency, sustainability and community engagement and help unlock the district’s mineral potential. Comparisons were drawn with established producers such as China, Australia and South Africa to underline the scope for a sustained domestic industry. As organised mining commences, the long standing local practice of searching for gold particles in fields after the monsoon is likely to fade as residents move towards more stable livelihoods.