Chandrababu Launches Jonnagiri Gold Plant, Renames Village

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the Jonnagiri Gold Processing Plant in Kurnool district and laid the foundation stone for its second unit, calling it the beginning of a "golden era" for the state. He said the project, developed by Geo Mysore, is the country's largest private-sector gold production facility and will initially produce 400 kilograms of gold annually, with plans to scale up to 1,500 kilograms. The Chief Minister said the project would generate nearly 5,000 jobs, reduce migration from Rayalaseema, and significantly boost the regional economy. He also announced plans to establish a Jewellery Park at the site to manufacture gold ornaments locally.

Highlighting the historical significance of the region, Chandrababu proposed renaming Jonnagiri as "Swarnagiri," a proposal that received public approval at the event. He said the village would be developed as a model township with support from Geo Mysore. The Chief Minister also announced plans to improve infrastructure, including helicopter transport for gold to the airport, and reiterated his government's commitment to transparent governance and industrial growth. Geo Mysore Chairman B. Prabhakaran credited the project to the Chief Minister's vision and pledged to develop Swarnagiri into a model mining region using world-class mining practices.