Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to prioritise value addition to the state’s beach sand minerals and to adopt advanced technologies to reduce reliance on imports of rare earth minerals. A delegation from Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone led by managing director Karan Adani met the chief minister at the Secretariat and outlined a proposed Rs 160 billion (Rs 160 bn) titanium plant in Srikakulam district. The briefing covered beach sand mining, potential downstream products and market demand across sectors.

Adani representatives explained that ilmenite present in beach sand could be processed into titanium slag, titanium dioxide and titanium sponge, forming the basis for downstream manufacturing. They set out the industrial applications of titanium dioxide, noting its use in paints, coatings, cosmetics, plastics and polymers and in ultraviolet protection products among other areas. The delegation emphasised opportunities to build an integrated value chain within the state.

The chief minister instructed officials to ensure that the state manufactures value-added products rather than exporting raw minerals, with a view to maximise economic benefits and employment. He directed a survey of state resources, identification of technologies required for development and the selection of suitable technology partners. He underlined that mining and rare earth development should support nation-building while strengthening the state economy.

Adani Group outlined plans to establish skill development facilities, Adani University, an international school, a 1,000-bed Adani Aarogya Mandir hospital and a 150-seat medical college in Visakhapatnam and presented a master plan for a proposed Adani data centre and IT park. Officials were told to coordinate to ensure projects align with state priorities and national interests. The meeting placed emphasis on creating local capacity to convert mineral wealth into manufactured products and services.