The Government of Andhra Pradesh has permitted the inclusion of quartzite mineral in the existing limestone lease held by M/s Ramco Cements Limited in Nandyal district and fixed the seigniorage fee at ₹160 per MT for industrial use.
According to GO Ms. No. 261 issued by the Industries and Commerce (Mines-II) Department, the inclusion is for mining lease spread over 663.46 hectares in Kalvatala and Kotapada villages in Kolimigundla mandal.
The decision was taken under Section 15B(4) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 without waiting for the 2016 amendments to the Mineral Concession Rules.
The mining lease was initially granted in 2002 in favor of M/s Prism Johnson Limited for limestone mining and was later transferred to Ramco Cements Limited in 2023. After the transfer and execution of additional leases, the lease was valid until March 10, 2053.
On the basis of geological studies and inspection reports submitted by the regional mining and geological report, quartzite deposits were identified in parts of the existing mining area. The company reported the occurrence of quartz over 289.94 ha and limestone deposits over 373.52 ha.
The mining plan, approved by the Indian Bureau of Mines, estimates total geological resources at 327.20 million tonnes, with recoverable reserves of 84.06 million tonnes.
The Director of Mines and Geology said the quartzite proposed for mining will be used for industrial purposes such as manufactured sand and pozzolanic additives in the cement industry. Since the material was not suitable for use as building stone for blocks and curbs, the higher license fee for building stone would not apply.
Instead, the government approved a mining levy of ₹160 per MT, which applied to quartzite used for industrial purposes.
Published – 25 Dec 2025 19:45 IST
