India’s First Large Private Gold Mine in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh will soon witness full-scale production at India’s first large private gold mine in Kurnool district. According to an official of Deccan Gold Mines Ltd, the development assumes significance as India currently imports around 1,000 tonne of gold every year. India is the largest importer of gold, after oil.

DGML, the first and only gold exploration company listed on BSE, has a stake in Geomysore Services India Ltd, which is developing the first private sector gold mine at Jonnagiri, in Andhra Pradesh. In June, the Jonnagiri gold project received environment clearance. However, the state government is yet to issue clearances in various fronts. The gold mine is located near Jonnagiri, Erragudi and Pagadirayi villages within the Tuggali mandal in Kurnool district.

The project is expected to produce about 750 kg gold per annum, once the stabilization process is complete. After the launch of full-scale production, the DGML would scale up to 1,000 tonne within 2-3 years, said DGML MD Hanuma Prasad, while speaking at the CII India Mining Summit 2025.  

As of today, India’s production of gold is 1.5 tonnes. “Once the mine begins operating, an additional tonne will be added.”

The DGML was established in 2003 and has been involved in gold exploration activities in India and overseas. The company has mining assets spread across the Indian peninsula, Kyrgyzstan, Finland and Tanzania.