New Delhi, Aug. 16 -- Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a critical-mineral powerhouse, with plans to ramp up gold production and exploit its vast reserves of beach-sand minerals, state Mines and Geology Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena told Mint in an interview.

The state made history in June with the launch of India's first private gold mining project at Swarnagiri, formerly known as Jonnagiri, in Kurnool district. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated commercial operations of the gold mine, marking a significant milestone for the country's mining sector.

Operated by Geomysore Services India Pvt. Ltd, the Rs.405-crore project is expected to generate jobs and boost state revenue, with ambitious production and expansion plans....