Chandrababu Naidu Writes to Union Minister Kishan Reddy

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has written to Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy expressing concerns over recent changes in the classification of laterite mines. The Centre recently issued orders stating that laterite containing 20 percent or more aluminium should be treated as bauxite rather than a minor mineral. In his letter, the Chief Minister highlighted that the revised norms have brought the mining lease approval process in Andhra Pradesh to a standstill.

Chandrababu Naidu informed the Centre that 402 mining lease applications, which were earlier processed under the minor mineral category, have been kept on hold following the policy change. These include 19 Letters of Intent, 113 government land applications, 255 forest land applications, and 15 private land applications. He noted that applicants had already spent significant amounts on application fees, land acquisition, and forest clearances under the previous rules. The Chief Minister requested the Centre to introduce a “saving clause” similar to those provided during past mineral reclassifications, allowing pending applications to be processed under the old rules for two more years. He stated that such a move would prevent financial losses, avoid legal disputes, and ensure uninterrupted raw material supply for cement, iron ore, and road construction industries.