Home
> About AP >
AP Fact File > Natural Advantages
Natural Advantages
_________________________________________
Andhra Pradesh, the pivot of industrial prosperity in South India, welcomes you
to its resourceful land of minerals which includes coal, oil & natural gas,
bauxite, limestone, gold, diamonds and more. A host of infrastructure
facilities are offered by the State that include industrial development areas,
industrial estates, growth centres and special complexes like a chemical
complex, plastic complex, leather complex and a software technology park.
Andhra Pradesh provides a cosmopolitan environment with good quality of life at
comparable costs. It is home to a skilled and dedicated workforce and has a
large number of universities, technical colleges, ITIs, polytechnics etc. With
all the inherent strengths of a dynamic industrial economy, Andhra Pradesh is
the right choice for your business endeavours.
Airways
Andhra Pradesh is well linked internally by air. Regular air services to
Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Tirupati are offered by regional
airlines. Smaller airfields also available for private jets. Hyderabad has been
declared a full fledged customs port, with an air cargo complex having customs
clearance facilities. Hyderabad has been cleared for setting up an
international airport. Work has already commenced for acquisition of land for
the new airport. The State government also intends setting up an international
airport at Visakhapatnam in the future. Night landing facilities have been
recently established at Tirupati airport. The Vijayawada airport at Gannavaram
has also been modernised recently. Boeing landing facilities are now available
at Vijayawada, Tirupati and Putaparthi. Direct flights have been introduced
between Hyderabad and Singapore. Hyderabad also has direct connectivity with
the Middle East. For details of of flights available, you may visit the Air
India site at www.airindia.com
Ports
Andhra Pradesh has one major port at Visakhapatnam and two intermediate ports
at Kakinada and Machilipatnam. The State also has minor ports at Krishnapatnam,
Gangavaram, Mutyalampalem, Bhavanapadu, Kalingapatnam, Bhimunipatnam, Narsapur,
Nizamapatnam, and Vodarevu.
The government has taken a major initiative for the development of port
infrastructure in State. Three ports namely Krishnapatnam, Kakinada and
Vodarevu have been privatised Gangavaram is also process being privatised.
For setting up infrastructure in port towns, or for utilising the wide array of
facilities available here, please write to apiic@andhrapradesh.com
Railways
Andhra Pradesh is covered by a 5055 km railway route. The older 1000 kms of
metre gauge are being converted into broad guage, to ensure smoother movement
of goods. 35 million tonnes of cargo is handled annually by railways. Inland
Container Freight Depots with customs clearance are available at Sanathnagar
and Hyderabad, and an inland container station is set up at Guntur.
Roadways
Roads are the most important means of transport in Andhra Pradesh. The State,
being predominantly an agriculture-oriented economy, depends on road transport
for the movement of agricultural produce and raw and finished material. For
obtaining details of development of Expressways and High Density Highway
Corridors please write to r&b@andhrapradesh.com.
Facts & figures
-
State road length (in kms) 1,37,500
-
Registered Vehicles in 1956 70,080
-
Registered Vehicles in 1994 20,71,050
-
Growth rate of Vehicles 16% (highest in the country)
-
A total of 1,46,944 kms of road are maintained by the State, of which State
Highways comprise 42,511 kms, National Highways 2949 kms and District Roads
1,01,484 kms.
-
A well developed goods transport network is operational by private
lorries.
-
15,224 passenger buses are plied by Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport
Corporation.
-
The network provides linkage to various parts of the country, utilising the
State's central location to the hilt!
The State government has set up a Roads Development Corporation and has
identified 10,266 kms of high traffic density roads for improvement. An amount
of Rs.38.04 billion has been mobilised for revamping the roads infrastructure
in the State.
For further information click on
www.aproads.com
Power
Andhra Pradesh has the third largest installed power capacity in the country.
Power generated is in the order of 7330 MW, with a break-up as under:
Item
|
Units(in MegaWatts)
|
Thermal
|
2953
|
Gas
|
696
|
Hydro
|
2683
|
Wind
|
57
|
Cogeneration
|
44
|
Total Generation
|
6433
|
Share from Central Generating Stations
|
897
|
Total
|
7330
|
Human Resources
With a population of 66.5 million, according to the 1991 census, Andhra Pradesh
is the fifth most populous State in India. The medium term projections of
population of Andhra Pradesh place the State's population currently at 80
million.
In 1991, the State had a density of population of 242 persons per sq km. 26.90%
of the State's population was located in urban areas. The Scheduled Castes
formed 15.9% of the total population while the Scheduled Tribes contributed to
another 6.3%. The literacy rate for males in 1991 was 55.1% while the
corresponding figure for the females was 32.7%.The overall literacy rate in the
State was 44.1%.
A working population of 29.964 million forms 45.05 percent of the total
population of the State. Cultivators and agricultural labourers constitute
80.80 % of the main workers in the rural areas.
Andhra Pradesh is home to a skilled and dedicated workforce. According to a
study conducted by NASSCOM ( National Association of Service and Software
Companies), 23% of India's software professionals are from Andhra Pradesh. This
large number provides a distinct comparative edge to the State in it's
transformation. The State has a large number of universities, technical
colleges, ITIs, polytechnics etc. It has more than 50 prestigious Central and
State research and training establishments like Administrative Staff College of
India, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Centre for Cellular and Micro
Biology, Defence Research and Development Laboratories, and more.
Fertile Land
Andhra Pradesh is favourably placed in the respect of agriculture. The key
strengths of the State are :
-
A wide range of agro-climatic conditions suitable for a variety of crops
-
Extensive water resources are available.
-
Large area under vegetables, fruits, flowers and plantation crops - 5,92,655
hectares
-
Endowed with highly fertile land
-
Average rainfall of the state - 925 mm ie the rainfall is between 684 mm to
1151 mm
-
A variety of natural sources and important rivers for irrigation
Andhra Pradesh has one Agriculture University and seven Agricultural Colleges.
It also has strong R&D infrastructure and institutions like CCMB, ICRISAT,
NARM, MANAGE and NIRD .
Minerals
Introduction
Andhra Pradesh is a Mineral rich State ranking 2nd in the Country containing a
vast and variety of Mineral Wealth particularly Industrial Minerals. Andhra
Pradesh engaged in mining of 42 Industrial Minerals to name a few Limestone,
Mica, Barytes, Bauxite, Beach Sands, Steatite, Quartz, Feldspar, Manganese,
Dolomite etc. There is a still under-tapped and untapped Mineral Wealth
throwing up many opportunities in this field for the new entrepreneurs. The
Andhra Pradesh in its Vision 2020 Document recognized Mines and Mineral Sector
one of the Growth Engines for accelerating economic activity and building up
prosperity to the State. Akin to this the State has also made certain
structural changes for the speedy processing and disposal of applications of
the interested entrepreneurs in obtaining Mineral Concessions in a transparent
time bound manner with a view to save the valuable time to the entrepreneurs.
The State has an ambitious programme of processing and granting the Mineral
Concessions "Online" keeping in tune the advancement in Information Technology.
Background
Andhra Pradesh occupies a land area of 2.75 lakh Sq.km underlain by Igneous,
Metamorphic and Sedimentary rocks, which is the most prospective region for
most of the minerals ranking 2nd in the Country. Out of this area about 2.06
lakh Hectares is covered under mining leases. Still a vast scope is available
to bring in from out of mineral potential areas still unexplored under
exploitation. The State accounts for considerable reserves of important
minerals, produces 42 minerals worth Rs. 2300 crores per annum, employs 5 lakh
persons, accounts for Rs. 450 crores revenue to the state exchequer, 2.5% of
GSDP and 4 - 5% of the total industrial production with over 5000 private &
public sector mines operating in the state, Andhra Pradesh contributes Rs. 200
to 250 crores of Indian Mineral Exports. Mining sector plays a key role in the
economic development of the state and it is identified as an important growth
engine in its Vision 2020.
Mineral Potential
Andhra Pradesh is endowed with vast and variety of mineral wealth, much of
which contains the Industrial Minerals. A wide range of these Minerals
occurring in the State find use in Fertilizer, Ceramics, Refractories,
Abrasives, Glass, Foundry, Oil Well Drilling, Fillers, Pigments etc. The State
produces about 42 Industrial Minerals including certain Minor Minerals. Some of
the Minerals produced have placed the State among the leading producers in the
Country. These Minerals include Mica, Barytes, Limestone, Dolomite, Fire Clay,
Ball Clay, Feldspar, Fullers Earth, Serpentine, Quartz, Quartzite, Silica Sand,
Ochres, Asbestos, Talc / Steatite, Pyrophillite, Calcite, Vermiculite,
Feldspar, Dimensional Stones etc. The States mineral wealth is either
under-tapped or untapped due to various reasons of Technology, Finance, Value
Addition etc.
The state accounts for considerable reserves of important minerals, viz,
Barytes (97%), Calcite (75%), Vermiculite (27%), Limestone (44%), Garnet (23%),
Feldspar (5%) Fuller's Earth (6%), Dolomite, Asbestos (96%), Fire clay, Ball
clay (55%), Soapstone, Quartz, Silica sand, Graphite, Quartzite, Diamond,
Corundum, Mica, Pyrophillite, Kyanite, Granite, Marble, Ochre, Apatite,
Chromite, Shale, Slate, Tungsten, Limeshell, Limekankar, Green Quartz etc., The
state have well geological prospective for host of minerals akin to South
Africa, Australia & Canada.
Opportunities in Mineral Projects
The State has immense potential of untapped and under-tapped minerals like
bauxite, limestone, dolomite, coal, diamonds, oil and natural gas, tungsten,
semi-precious stones, beach sands, iron ore, base metals, gold, clays and
granites. The State Government invites offers for taking up mining projects in
all these untapped and under-tapped potential minerals.
Mineral Resources & Prospects
Mica
The state stands 2nd in the Mica deposits and production in the country. The
Nellore Mica schist belt is known as the 2nd biggest mica belt in the country
extends over a strike length of about 90 KM and covering an area of about 1000
Sq.km is found around Gudur, Rapur and Atmakur Mandals of the Nellore district.
This mica belt is the repository of Muscovite mica, Quartz, Feldspar and
vermiculite. Other Deposits of Mica are located in Khammam, Krishna, East and
West Godavari, Nellore and Visakhapatnam Districts. The State contributes
substantially to the production of Phlogopite & Muscovite Mica. At present
bulk of the Mica production comes from Nellore and Visakhapatnam Districts. The
book Mica, scrap Mica and Mica Powder are mostly exported due to lack of Mica
based industry. There are opportunities for investment in development and
establishment of manufacturing units for value added Mica based products.
Barytes
Huge reserves of Barytes are found in Cuddapah, Prakasam and Nellore districts.
World's largest single deposit with an estimate reserve of 70 million tonnes
Grey Barytes occurs in Mangampet, Cuddapah district. In addition to these,
there are number of snow white and white vein type Barytes occur in Khammam,
Prakasam, Ananthapur and Kurnool districts, containing BaSo4 77 to 92% and
specific gravity ranges from 3.6 to 4.21. Mangampet Barytes with grade 92%
BaSo4 and an average specific gravity of 4.21 is used in oil & gas well
drilling. The other grades are catering the needs of Chemical and Paint
industries. The Mangampet low grade Barytes is amenable to beneficiate high
grade ore to specific requirement and recovery of by-products.
Andhra Pradesh is the leading producer and contributes about 90% of the total
country's production. APMDC exploiting the Mangampet deposit under public
sector producing about 5 to 6 lakh tonnes per annum and intends to increase the
production level to 1 Million Tonne in the coming years. Drilling fluids
dominate consumption of world barytes to the extent of 90% of the total
production. Most of the production form the state is being exported to USA,
Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Oman and UAE, Japan and South East Asia and
Eastern Europe after catering to the requirement of ONGC. The Barytes is not
reclaimed or recycled for use in other wells due to low cost. The demand for
useage of the Barytes in the oil well drilling is increasing with exploration
activity.
APMDC is the largest producer of Barytes and intends to increase the production
level to one million tonnes through joint sector participation for integrated
project covering Maximization of production, beneficiation of low grade
Barytes, setting up of Barytes based industries to create value addition and
maximization of exports.
Beach Sands /
Placer Deposits
Potential Monazite beach placer deposits are found all along the coastal
stretch right from Srikakulam district on north to Prakasam district in south
and also along the Godavari, Krishna, Nagavalli, and Vamsadara river channels
& confluence, which contains Illmenite, Monazite, Zircon, Rutile, Garnet
and Sillimanite, out of which Zircon & Monazite are atomic minerals and
classified. Illmenite & Rutile are Titanium bearing minerals. The
concentration of these minerals are variable ranging from 15 to 20% in the
sands, which are economically viable for commercial exploitation. The
Geological Survey of India and Atomic Mineral Division have carried out
investigations and explorations led to delineation of 16 potential Heavy
Mineral Beach Sand Deposits over a cumulative length of 320 KM with an average
width of ranging between 128 m and 1150 m from Ramayyapatnam (Nellore dist) in
the south to Donkuru (Srikakulam dist) in North with heavies ranging from 20 to
32%.
Generally, beach sands are also called heavy's, even 4% of heavy's are being
mined and separated through Gravity process and different mineral components
are being used for different purposes, Monazite & zircon in atomic energy,
Rutile & Ilmenite for extraction of Titanium, manufacture of super alloys
and also as pigments and abrasive, Silliminite in refractory and Garnet in
abrasive industry.
The beach sands form the main source of Garnet, Sillimanite, Titanium and
manufacture of vast number of down stream products useful in various
industries. The vast potential of Monazite sand deposits can sustain large
scale industry over longer period for manufacture of Titanium- Di-Oxide and
down stream products.
Monazite deposits being classified under atomic mineral category, State
Government can take up this issue with the Atomic Energy Department, Atomic
Mineral Division and Indian Rare Earth's Ltd. for taking up exploitation and
processing of these vast stretch of deposits under joint venture with APMDC and
manufacture of down stream products with foreign equity participation. Indian
Rare Earth's Ltd. have already set up such facilities and which are running
successfully in Tamilnadu, Kerala and Orissa. This proposed venture in the
backward districts of AP will be successful due to proximity of consuming
centres, rail and availability of port infrastructure facilities.
Bauxite
Andhra Pradesh is 2nd richest in Bauxite deposits in the country, huge reserves
of 750 million tons of metal grade Bauxite have been proved in forest and
tribal tracts of Visakhapatnam and East Godavari districts by detail
explorations. MECON has prepared feasibility report for establishing alumina
plant near the vicinity of Visakhapatnam port. APMDC has already applied for
mining leases in 24 areas and 3 leases are under close finalisation by due
completion of environmental impact studies, mine plan and under final stages of
process for forest clearance. Under the above scenario, opportunity is
available for establishing an integrated project -Mining, Manufacturing Alumina
and Exports. All bauxite deposits are located in proximity to the fast growing
Visakhapatnam port. APMDC offers joint ventures for mining Bauxite who intend
to set up Alumina / Aluminium plants. Power being a major component and
infrastructure in the manufacture of Alumina / Aluminium, Facilities like
allotment of coal mines for captive power generation can be made available for
immediate take off. The companies with latest technology and finance can
interact with the APMDC and Govt. for starting a viable joint venture in Andhra
Pradesh for Alumina / Aluminium industries.
Limestone
Andhra Pradesh contains 44% of limestone reserves of the country with estimated
reserves around 30,400 million tonnes of different grades, produces 15 million
tonnes and contributes 15% of the total production of the country. State is one
of the largest producer of cement (18-20%) with 18 major and 29 mini cement
plants.
Exploitation of Limestone is quite meager, when compared to the vast potential.
The State has good potential to start many more cement plants and gives
preference for setting up cement and Lime based industries. The State is
looking for setting up slag and fly ash based Cement plants near Visakhapatnam
Steel Plant and Thermal Plants. The State with growing construction activity
has a vast scope to set up cement plants, ready mix cement concrete units.
Entrepreneurs, who have a vision to setup such lime based industries, such
Projects will be cleared under single window set up by the Government.
Dolomite
Dolomite is found in Khammam, Kurnool, Ananthapur, Warangal and Cuddapah
Districts. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and Southern Magnesium are exploiting
metal and SMS grade Dolomite of Khammam and Warangal Districts. Dolomites from
other Districts are presently been used as filler in detergents, and other
industries. There is a scope to develop new mines and establishment of Dolomite
based industries in the State.
Diamonds
Andhra Pradesh is known as Ratnalaseema (i.e. Land of Diamonds) for centuries
for the best diamonds occurrences, some of world known diamonds like Kohinoor,
Regent etc., are from the womb of the state. Diamond bearing areas are spread
over 50000 Sq. km under different environs in Ananthapur, Kurnool, Cuddapah,
Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam, Chittoor, Nalgonda, Khammam, Mahabubnagar and
Warangal districts of the State. Integrated Geological surveys carried out
under National Diamond Project identified Diamondiferrous Kimberlite /
Lamproite Pipes, Conglomerates and Gravel. So far 53 Kimberlite / Lamproite
pipes were identified and further explorations are continued. Average incidence
is about 3 to 4 carats / 100 tons of source material.
Gold
Andhra Pradesh is also known for Gold mining during various periods of history,
specially during the regime of Vijaynagaram Empire. Number of Gold bearing
green stone schist belts occur in Chittoor, Ananthapur, Kurnool, Guntur,
Prakasam, Cuddapah, Khammam, Mahabubnagar and Nellore districts of the State,
so far 28 such belts were identified extending over lengths of 16 to 185 km
with an estimated reserve of 6.9 million tones of Gold ore and average assay of
3 to 5 grams of Gold per tonne of ore. Most of the deposits are associated with
Scheelite. The vast terrain of potential Gold bearing fields are yet to be
scanned thoroughly due to various reasons of Technology.
Semi
Precious/ Abrasive/ Decorative stones
There are number of occurrences of semi-precious and abrasive stones like
Amethyst, Green quartz, Corundum (Ruby), Beryl (Emerald), Apatite, Cat's eye,
Alex, Agate, Quartz crystals, Moonstone, Sunstone, Garnet, Kyanite, Aquamarine,
Tourmaline, Serpentine, etc.,. in Ananthapur, Cuddapah, Kurnool, Prakasam,
Nellore, Khammam, Medak, Nalgonda, RangaReddy, MahabubNagar, East & West
Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram & Srikakulam Districts. These are
being either as an abrasive stone or in faceting industry based on the
quality.
Gem & Jewellery
Andhra Pradesh was the richest bazaar for Gem, Jewellery and lapidary in the
annals of past history due to close vicinity of vast resources of raw materials
like Gold, Diamond, Semi-Precious Stones and more particularly the skilled
craftsmen. The antic beauty of Nizam Jewellery is still an envy of the world.
Most of the traders from Jaipur , Surat and Combay source their material and
designs from Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad is also known as Pearl Centre of the
country . Andhra Pradesh offers abundant opportunity with potential resource of
Gold, Diamond, Ruby, Aquamarine, Emerald, Cryso-Berly Cat's Eye, Silliminite
Cat's Eye, Alex and other Semi-Precious Stones with cheap skilled master
craftsmen have an advantage over other states to establish a Gem &
Jewellery Park either in the Hyderabad or in the exclusive export zone in
Visakhapatnam. The development of Gem & Jewellery is a thrust area under
New Industrial Policy and package of incentives are being offered for setting
up such park facility for value addition and export. Prospective entrepreneurs
can avail this opportunity.
Coal
Andhra Pradesh is the sole producer of Coal in the entire South India, Coal
occurs in Gondwana formations of Godavari valley and found over larger tracts
of Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam and Warangal districts. These vast spreads of
Coal formations are partially explored by different Geological agencies and
measured reserves of around 10,500 million tones with possible reserves of
30,000 million tonnes. There are many more areas to be explored to prove the
reserves in the Godavari Coal belt. M/s Singareni Collieries Company Limited is
solely operating the mines under Public sector in the state, producing around
30 million tonnes per annum and catering to the needs of various industries in
the whole of South India.
The Government of India has liberalized the Coal Policy allowing private sector
to explore and exploit the coal resources. M/s Singareni Collieries Company
Limited has identified 6 blocks with 464 million tonnes of coal for
Privatisation and offers are being invited for coal mining in the Godavari Coal
Belt. However majority of the coal mines falls under the C and D Categories
with an average ash content ranging from 24 to 34% rendering non usage in steel
and other allied industries. The washer would decrease the ash content by 7 to
8 % down to level around 18 to 26% rendering its usage in such industries.
Andhra Pradesh with vast Coal Potential and infrastructure, invites the Private
sector to participate in Coal mining to fill up the demand and supply gap and
also to setup coal washery plants in the state.
Oil & Natural Gas
Oil & Natural Gas occurs in an area of 20,000 Sq.KM on-shore and 21,000
Sq.KM off-shore in East and West Godavari and Krishna Districts. Production is
under way in number of wells and a few industries like Gas Based Power Plant,
Fertilizer Plant etc., have already come up. The present availability of Gas
from Krishna, Godavari Basins is of the order of 3 to 4 Million Cu.Mt / day.
Good prospects exists for setting up Gas Based Projects.
Copper, Lead & Zinc
Occurrences of Copper, Lead & Zinc are found at number of places in
Cuddapah, Guntur, Khammam, Kurnool, Nellore and Prakasam Districts. The
established reserves are about 9 Million Tonnes of Copper, Lead & Zinc with
1.35 to 1.60 % Copper, 3 to 9% Lead and 4 to 5% Zinc. The Lead deposits of
Guntur District are being exploited by Hindustan Zinc Ltd., a public sector
organisation, but there is potential to exploit other deposits with improved
technology and investment.
Low Grade Iron Ore
Iron ore occurs in Kurnool, Ananthapur, Chittoor, Khammam, Warangal,
Karimnagar, Adilabad and Prakasam districts. The total estimated reserves are
around 265 Million Tonnes of various grades of Iron ore. High grade Hematite
Iron ore from Ananthapur and Kurnool is being exploited and catering the needs
of Sponge & Pig Iron Plants in the State.
The low grade Magnetite Iron ore deposits with 22 to 35% Fe are found over a
length of 52 KM near the Port in Ongole- Prakasam district , which were
thoroughly explored and estimated a reserve of 165 million tonnes. Feasibility
report was prepared by M/s MECON for establishing a sponge Iron Plant. These
vast Iron ore deposits are being offered under Joint Venture with M/s APMDC for
Mining, Benefaction, Export and Value addition.
Asbestos
The best crysotile variety of Asbestos is found near Pulivendla and
Brahmanapalli in Cuddapah District. There are number of Asbestos deposits in
Cuddapah, Kurnool and MahabubNagar Districts. The present level of production
is around 2000 tonnes per annum.
Apart from the existing industry, there is good scope for promoting Asbestos
based industries, with suitable environment safe guards, to manufacture break
linings, clutch facings, automobile gaskets, asbestos fabrics and ropes.
Manganese
Andhra Pradesh is one of the few States in India, producing Manganese ore.
There are number of deposits in Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Adilabad and Prakasam
Districts. The estimated reserves are about 7.5 Million Tonnes of low grade
manganese with 30 to 40% Mn in the state. The Manganese ore can be used for the
manufacture of Electrolytic Manganese Dioxide, Manganese Chloride, and
Batteries in addition to exports.
Vermiculite
Vermiculite is found in association with the Mica in Nellore and Visakhapatnam
districts. The production is not consumerate with the potentiality in the
areas. Vermiculite is mostly used in acoustic purposes after exfoliation and
also exported.
Graphite
Low grade Graphite with less then 40% Fixed carbon is found in Khondalite suite
of rocks in Khammam, West Godavari, East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vijayanagaram
& Srikakulam districts of the state. The graphite is used in manufacture of
electrodes, graphite crucibles and paints.
Tungsten Ore
Tungsten ore is occurring over a length of about 1 Km in Tapsikonda and
Burugubanda in East and West Godavari districts. M/s NMDC has explored the area
in association with BRGM and proved reserve of about 11 million tonnes of ore
with 0.03 to 0. 05 % of W2O3 in association with Graphite. Tungsten is very
much useful in super alloys and electronics.
Steatite/Talc/Soap stone
Best grade Steatite/Talc/Soap stone occurs at various places in Kurnool,
Ananthapur, Cuddapah, and low grade occurs in Chittoor and Khammam Districts.
Presently Steatite is being mined and supplied to various Cosmetic, Soap,
Ceramic and as a filler in pesticide and insecticide industry. Presently, there
are no Steatite based Cosmetic and Soap manufacturing industry in the State.
Calcite
Semi- Transparent & Good grade Calcite with less than 2% of Sio2 occur in
Ananthapur, Cuddapah, Khammam & Visakhapatnam districts. There are being
used in metallurgy, welding flux, as filler in rubber and Paint Industry. There
is a vast scope to develop and export the calcite from the state.
Apatite
Only Apatite deposit in the entire Southern India ( P2O5 > 35%) occurs near
Kasipatnam at Seetharamapuram- Visakhapatnam district, which is being exploited
under joint venture with M/s APMDC.
Ceramics
Andhra Pradesh has plenty of Minerals required for Ceramic industry and is the
largest source for Various Clays, Feldspar, Quartz, Silica Sand, Pyrophillite,
Nepheline syenite Rare Earths (Titanites/Zirconite). Conventional Ceramic
Industry in Andhra Pradesh provides a strong base for development of Advance
Ceramics with sophisticated processing and technology transfer. The State
invite offers for development of Advanced ceramics like Electro and Mechano
Ceramics.
Clays
Workable deposits of Fire Clay, Ball Clay, China Clay and Ordinary Clay occurs
in Adilabad, Ananthapur, Cuddapah, East and West Godavari, MahabubNagar,
Kurnool, Nalgonda, Guntur, Nellore, Prakasam, Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam and
Vizianagaram Districts. The total estimated reserves of Clays to be around 21
Million Tonnes.
The Fire Clays occurring in Adlilabad and East Godavari Districts are being
used in sanitary ware and stone ware industries. China Clay and Ball Clay
occurring in Ananthapur, Kurnool, Cuddapah, Nellore, Nalgonda, West Godavari
and Guntur Districts are being used in different Ceramic, Refractory &
Filler Industries. Ordinary clay is being used in manufacture of Sewerage pipes
& Mangalore Tiles.
Clays finds usage in many industries like Ceramic, Refractory, Paper, Textiles,
Electrical, Cement, Petroleum, Foundries etc.
Fuller's Earth
Pocket deposits of Fuller's Earth occur at number of places around Vikarabad-
Ranga Reddy district, which is being used in Oil well drilling, as a bleaching
Earth in the edible Oil refining and exported to Middle east countries.
Ochre
Red & Yellow Ochre extensively occur at number of places in Kurnool,
Ananthapur, Cuddapah, Visakhapatnam & West Godavari districts. They are
being used in Paint & Polishing industry.
Quartz/Quartzite
Granular, Glassy, Semi-glassy and Massive Quartz/Quratzites deposits occur
extensively in MahabubNagar, Ranga Reddy, Nalgonda, Medak, Nizamabad, Khammam,
Kurnool, Ananthapur, Chitoor, Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur, West Godavari,
Visakhapatnam & Vijayanagaram districts in the State. Quartz finds usage in
Ferro-Alloys, Ceramic and Glass Industries. Presently Quartz is being mined
from Ranga Reddy, MahabubNagar, Medak, Kurnool & Nellore districts and
exported from Madras port to various countries.
The SiO2 ranges from 99.5 to 99.90%, Fe2O3 0.02 to 0. 08% with minute
Percentages of Al203. Depending on the quality of the mineral, scope exists for
setting up industrial units for the manufacture of Glass, Silicon Carbide,
Fibreglass, Silica Gel, Quartz Wool, Ceramic Glass, Silicon Wafers and
Refractories. Vast scope exists for exploitation, development & export of
the Quartz/ Quartzite from the state.
Silica sand
Silica sand Occurs all along the East Coast from Guntur to Nellore districts.
In addition, there are extensive Quartzites containing silica sand deposits
around Orvakal in Kurnool district. The silica sand from these areas are used
as Moulding sand, Sodium silicate, ceramics, refectories, glass etc., There is
a vast scope to exploit and develop the deposits.
Feldspar/ Nephilene
Syenite
Potash & Sodic Feldspar occur at number of places as pegmatites in Ranga
reddy, MahabubNagar, Khammam, Nalgonda, Nellore, Cuddapah, Ananthapur &
West Godavari districts. Nephilene Syenites occurs in Khammam and Prakasam
districts.The percentage of K2O+ N2O will be around 12 to 15% in most of the
areas. They are being used in Ceramics & Refractories and also a part of
being exported. There is a vast scope to develop value-added products within
the state.
Pyrophyllite
Pyrophyllite occurs in Cuddapah and Ananthapur districts, which is being used
in Refractories. There are prospects for exploitation and utility around the
mineral occurrences.
White shale
Extensive deposits of White shale occurs in Kurnool, Cuddapah & Ananthapur
districts in Cuddapah and Kurnool basins, which are being exploited and used as
filler in number of industries like Pesticides, Insecticides etc.
Granite
Andhra Pradesh is one of the largest producer of granites in the country, 17
out of 23 districts have several occurrences of different varieties of
granites. Jet black, Black Galaxy, Blue and White coloured are exclusive
varieties in the international market. The estimated reserves of commercial
granites are around 251 million Cubic metres in the state. There are a number
of unexplored areas in the state, which contain workable and marketable
deposits, Central and state Geological agencies have started exploration to
identify new varieties and areas. Vast scope exists for development of granite
industry in the state. The Govt. of Andhra Pradesh have the most progressive
policy for granites in the country.
World's rare and exclusive variety of black Galaxy Granite occur in
Chimakurthy- Prakasam district, M/s Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development
Corporation invites Private sector for establishing a Granite Park primarily
basing on world famous Black Galaxy in Prakasam/ Nellore districts close to the
port.
Slates/Phyllite
There are vast deposits of Slate / Phyllite in Prakasam, Guntur and Nalgonda
Districts. Some of the varieties are already been exported from the State to
Australia, New Zealand and European Market.
Marbles
Different varieties of Marbles occur in Khammam, Cuddapah, Guntur and Nellore
Districts. There is a scope to open up new areas in the above districts and
establishment of cutting and polishing industry.
Limestone Slabs
Different colours of Limestone Slabs are extensively found in Ranga Reddy,
Nalgonda, Guntur, Ananthapur, Cuddapah, Kurnool & MahabubNagar districts.
They are being exploited locally and exported to different parts of the country
and other countries for flooring.
Mineral Resources of Andhra Pradesh Vis-à-vis India
DMG:AP
S.No
|
Mineral
|
Andhra Pradesh
(In Million Tonnes)
|
India
(In Million Tonnes)
|
% of AP Reserves
|
1
|
APATITE
|
1.68
|
145.37
|
1.15
|
2
|
ASBESTOS
|
2.5 Lakh Tones
|
2.3
|
11
|
3
|
BARYTES
|
67.05
|
70.15
|
95.58
|
4
|
BAUXITE
|
750
|
2525.33
|
30
|
5
|
BALL CLAY
|
7.5
|
13.90
|
54
|
6
|
CHINA CLAY
|
N.A
|
1042.5
|
N.A
|
7
|
CALCITE
|
3.9
|
10.6
|
41
|
8
|
FIRE CLAY
|
11.6
|
696.8
|
2
|
9
|
COAL
|
13021.50
|
229962.28
|
6
|
10
|
CORRUNDUM
|
1071 Tones
|
15344 Tones
|
7
|
11
|
COPPER ORE
|
6.5
|
838
|
0.8
|
12
|
CHROMITE
|
2000 Tones
|
88.35
|
0.002
|
13
|
DOLOMITE
|
170( Not Totally Estimated )
|
4967.5
|
3.4
|
14
|
DIAMOND
|
194990 Carats
|
1196154
|
16.3
|
15
|
FELDSPAR
|
1.5
|
16.14
|
9.3
|
16
|
FULLERS EARTH
|
25
|
228.3
|
11
|
17
|
GARNET
|
5
|
39.5
|
12.7
|
18
|
GRAPHITE
|
60000 tones
|
3.10
|
2
|
19
|
GOLD ORE
|
6.84
|
17.70
|
39
|
20
|
GYPSUM
|
0.24
|
239.4
|
0.1
|
21
|
ILLMENITE
|
21.69
|
90.10
|
24
|
22
|
IRON ORE
|
263
|
9602
|
3
|
23
|
KYANITE
|
4.65
|
53.42
|
9
|
24
|
LEAD & ZINC
|
7.5
|
179.2
|
4.2
|
25
|
LIME STONE
|
30400
|
76446
|
40
|
26
|
LIMEKANKAR
|
3.5
|
NE
|
N.A
|
27
|
MONAZITE SAND
|
32
|
NE
|
N.A
|
28
|
MANGANESE
|
7
|
176.5
|
4
|
29
|
MICA
|
0.045
|
N.A
|
N.A
|
30
|
OCHRES
|
NE
|
22.32
|
N.A
|
31
|
OIL & NATURAL GAS
|
NE
|
Crude Oil-764.63 Mil.TonsN.Gas-706.69 Cu.M
|
N.A
|
32
|
PYROPHYLLITE
|
NE
|
5.2
|
N.A
|
33
|
QUARTZ & SILICA SAND
|
50
|
983.53
|
5
|
34
|
QUARTZITE
|
NE
|
365.52
|
N.A
|
35
|
RUTILE
|
1
|
6.45
|
15.5
|
36
|
STEATITE
|
5
|
83.66
|
6
|
37
|
TUNGSTEN
|
12
|
39.65
|
30
|
38
|
VERMICULITE
|
NE
|
312454 Tones
|
N.A
|
|