Amaravati, November 24, 2025: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Mines and Geology Kollu Ravindra laid the foundation stone for a new district mines and geology office in Ongole on Monday, a move to decentralise regulatory functions and expedite licensing for the Prakasam district's growing mining sector.
The Rs 5 crore project, spanning 5,000 square feet, will house administrative staff, labs for sample testing, and digital kiosks for online applications, aiming to cut approval times from months to weeks and boost compliance in granite and limestone quarries that employ over 20,000 locals.
Ravindra highlighted the office's role in curbing illegal mining, which has cost the state Rs 500 crore annually in lost revenue, while fostering sustainable practices through environmental audits and worker safety training. "This facility will empower Prakasam's miners with efficient services and ensure eco-friendly operations," he said during the ceremony attended by district collector and officials. The initiative aligns with the state's 2025 mining policy for revenue growth to Rs 10,000 crore.
