India's Largest Private-Sector Gold Mine Opens at Jonnagiri, Andhra Pradesh

India's largest private-sector gold mining project was inaugurated on 24 June 2026 at Jonnagiri in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. The companies behind it are investing about Rs 405 crore in mining, extraction, processing and marketing of gold bars at the site itself.

Jonnagiri has a long history with gold. Once known as Swarnagiri, the area was significant during Emperor Ashoka's period (268–232 BCE), with Ashokan inscriptions found nearby at Erragudi. Geologically, it lies in the Eastern Dharwar Craton, an ancient block of the Earth's crust formed 3.6–2.5 billion years ago that is known for gold mineralisation — the natural process by which gold is concentrated into extractable ore.

The project will use open-pit mining and other technologies. It is expected to produce about 400 kg of gold a year initially, rising to 900 kg in the next phase and eventually 2 tonnes annually. An on-site training facility is preparing local women and youth to operate heavy mining vehicles using simulators.

The mine matters for Rayalaseema, an economically underdeveloped region of Andhra Pradesh that has been attracting fresh investment. For exam purposes, remember the location (Kurnool district), the geological setting (Eastern Dharwar Craton) and that this is India's largest private-sector gold mining venture.