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.

Building Material

09 Jan 2026

Sources Unlimited Introduces Vitamine Pendant Lamp by Melogranoblu

Sources Unlimited has launched the Vitamine Pendant Lamp by Melogranoblu in India, expanding its portfolio of curated international luxury lighting solutions. Designed and crafted in Italy, the Vitamine pendant reflects contemporary glass artistry, combining hand-blown craftsmanship with refined aesthetics and atmospheric illumination.The Vitamine Pendant Lamp is sculpted in hand-blown glass and is available in frosted, silver and black metallised finishes. Each finish offers a distinct visual identity while maintaining a cohesive and sophisticated design language. The lamp’s softly contoure..

World Cement Association Names Philippe Richart as CEO

The World Cement Association (WCA) has announced the appointment of Philippe Richart as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition at a time of significant change for the global cement industry. Richart succeeds Ian Riley, who joined the Association in 2019 and played a key role in strengthening WCA’s position as an independent and credible voice for cement producers worldwide.Richart brings more than 30 years of international leadership experience in the cement sector, with extensive exposure across Asia, Africa and Europe. He began his professional career as a constru..

TARIL Q3 FY26 Revenue Jumps 32% to Rs 7.36 Bn, Profits Surge

Transformers & Rectifiers (India) (TARIL) reported a robust financial performance for the third quarter ended December 31, 2025, posting strong growth across revenue and profitability metrics. The company, a leading manufacturer of power and specialty transformers, benefited from improved operating leverage, disciplined execution and ongoing process optimisation initiatives.During the quarter, TARIL recorded consolidated revenue from operations of Rs 7.36 billion, marking a year-on-year growth of 32 per cent. EBITDA stood at Rs 1.29 billion, up 38 per cent year-on-year, while profit after ..