Andhra Pradesh Considering Metal Cluster Development in Northern Region.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked officials to prepare a roadmap for establishing a metal cluster in the state, citing rising industrial activity in Visakhapatnam.

Chairing a review meeting on mining operations in Amaravati recently, Naidu stressed the need to strengthen the AP Mineral Development Corporation. He said Odisha’s success in both mining activity and revenue generation should be examined to identify best practices that could help Andhra Pradesh expand its own mining sector.

The Chief Minister also called for tighter surveillance of mining operations by deploying drones and real-time monitoring systems to curb unauthorised activity.

Noting the state’s abundant mineral resources — including limestone, beach sand, iron ore, manganese, quartz, silica sand, clay and granite — Naidu urged officials to focus on value addition for both exports and domestic markets. He directed the Mines Department to engage with mining companies and hold discussions with the Centre to secure incentives that could boost the sector further.