AP CM Naidu calls for value addition to beach sand minerals
Amaravati, July 13 (TNT) :Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to focus on value addition to beach sand minerals available in the state and promote advanced technologies to reduce dependence on imports of rare earth minerals.
A delegation led by Karan Adani, Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd, met Naidu at the Secretariat on Wednesday and briefed him on the proposed ₹16,000-crore titanium plant in Srikakulam district, besides the group’s plans for beach sand mining and processing.
The delegation explained that ilmenite found in beach sand can be processed into titanium slag, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and titanium sponge.
Titanium dioxide is used in paints, coatings, cosmetics, plastics, polymers and UV-protection products, among other applications.
Naidu stressed that beach sand minerals should not be limited to extraction and sale as raw materials and called for development of an integrated value chain within Andhra Pradesh to maximise economic benefits.
He said the state should work towards self-reliance in rare earth minerals and directed officials to identify available mineral resources, assess the technologies required for their development and identify suitable technology partners.
The Chief Minister said development of rare earth mineral resources should contribute to nation-building while strengthening the state’s economy.
The Adani Group representatives also briefed Naidu on plans to establish skill development facilities, Adani University, an international school, a 1,000-bed Adani Aarogya Mandir hospital and a 150-seat medical college in Visakhapatnam.
They also presented details of the master plan for the proposed Adani Data Centre and IT Park in Visakhapatnam.
TNT KM
