Kurnool, June 24 -- Managing Director and Chairman of Lloyds Metals & Energy, B Prabhakaran, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday jointly inaugurated the Jonnagiri Gold Mine in Kurnool district, marking the start of India's first commercial-scale private-sector gold mining operation since Independence.

According to a company release, the mine, located across Jonnagiri, Erragudi and Pagidirayi villages in Tuggali mandal, is a major step towards strengthening India's domestic gold production capabilities at a time when the country remains one of the world's largest consumers of the precious metal.

Jonnagiri brings commercial-scale gold mining back into focus.

According to a company release, the mine, located...