+
Andhra Cracks Down On Illegal Mining In Quartz And Iron Ore
COAL & MINING

Andhra Cracks Down On Illegal Mining In Quartz And Iron Ore

Andhra Pradesh Mines and Geology Minister Kollu Ravindra told the Assembly that the State government has initiated strong measures to curb illegal mining, particularly at the Rustum and Bharat quarries in Podalakur mandal, Sarvepalli constituency.
He said irregularities were detected in the Rustum Mining Company lease and that those supplying explosives to the mines had been arrested. Ravindra noted that a sudden surge in quartz demand from April 2023 had triggered large-scale illegal mining with alleged official collusion. In December 2023, local TDP leader and MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy staged a protest at the site but was attacked by hired goons allegedly backed by the former government. Complaints were later lodged with the Centre.
Following the coalition government’s assumption of office, the case was reopened and charges filed against former Minister and YSRCP leader Kakani Govardhan Reddy along with 11 others, resulting in arrests. The Minister also pointed out that quartz was declared a major mineral by the Centre in February 2025, enabling stricter legal enforcement.
Ravindra further flagged irregularities in the Obulapuram mines, where 100,000 tonnes of seized iron ore were illegally moved, and pledged strong action. He added that nearly 1,900 illegal mining cases registered since 2019 were being addressed. Sand supply has been streamlined through a free distribution policy, aimed at reforming the sector, supporting construction activity, and driving State development. 

Andhra Pradesh Mines and Geology Minister Kollu Ravindra told the Assembly that the State government has initiated strong measures to curb illegal mining, particularly at the Rustum and Bharat quarries in Podalakur mandal, Sarvepalli constituency.He said irregularities were detected in the Rustum Mining Company lease and that those supplying explosives to the mines had been arrested. Ravindra noted that a sudden surge in quartz demand from April 2023 had triggered large-scale illegal mining with alleged official collusion. In December 2023, local TDP leader and MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy staged a protest at the site but was attacked by hired goons allegedly backed by the former government. Complaints were later lodged with the Centre.Following the coalition government’s assumption of office, the case was reopened and charges filed against former Minister and YSRCP leader Kakani Govardhan Reddy along with 11 others, resulting in arrests. The Minister also pointed out that quartz was declared a major mineral by the Centre in February 2025, enabling stricter legal enforcement.Ravindra further flagged irregularities in the Obulapuram mines, where 100,000 tonnes of seized iron ore were illegally moved, and pledged strong action. He added that nearly 1,900 illegal mining cases registered since 2019 were being addressed. Sand supply has been streamlined through a free distribution policy, aimed at reforming the sector, supporting construction activity, and driving State development. 

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Embraer to Acquire 51 Per Cent Stake in Mahindra Aerospace Arm

Brazilian aerospace major Embraer will acquire a 51 per cent equity stake in Novavayu Aerospace, a step-down subsidiary of Mahindra and Mahindra, under an Investment Agreement notified by the automobile company in an exchange filing. The transaction will give Embraer control of the aerospace business. Following completion of the acquisition, Novavayu Aerospace will cease to be a wholly owned subsidiary and become an associate of Mahindra Defence Systems, which is a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra and Mahindra. The agreement is expected to be completed on or before December 1. Mah..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

RBI Opens Special Dollar Window for Three State-Run OMCs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opened a special facility to meet the entire daily US dollar requirements of three public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs), in a move aimed at easing pressure on the Indian rupee. The facility will take effect on October 12, 2026, and remain available until further notice. Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation are eligible to use the arrangement. Under the facility, the RBI will sell US dollars to the three companies through designated banks, allowing them to meet their oil-import payments without sourc..

Next Story
Building Material

Cement Prices Likely to Rise Rs. 10-15 per Bag from Mid-October

Cement manufacturers in India are likely to raise prices by Rs. 10-15 per bag from mid-October, as they seek to offset persistent increases in power and fuel costs. Emkay Research said its channel checks indicated a high probability of an increase from October 12, supported by the start of the busy construction season and favourable demand-supply conditions. The sector had implemented similar rate adjustments of Rs. 10-15 per bag during the first quarter, but the increases were insufficient to cover higher operating costs. Prices also softened during July and August because of the monsoon, wid..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code