Andhra Cracks Down On Illegal Mining In Quartz And Iron Ore

03 Oct 2025 CW Team

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.

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