Andhra Pradesh opens coast for rare earth mining

With six operational ports and expanding industrial corridors, Andhra Pradesh aims to position itself as a major hub for titanium, rare earth oxides and advanced materials, strengthening India’s critical mineral security

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Andhra Pradesh is preparing to unlock its mineral-rich coastline for large-scale rare earth and titanium-bearing beach sand mining, aiming to cut India’s dependence on Chinese imports and build a strong domestic critical minerals ecosystem.

The state-run Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) has identified multiple heavy mineral deposits along the coast. According to an official presentation, the state accounts for nearly 25 per cent of India’s beach sand mineral resources — the second highest in the country — with significant reserves of ilmenite, rutile, zircon and monazite.

Monazite is a key source of rare earth elements used in magnets for electric vehicles (EVs), wind turbines, electronics and defence systems. Ilmenite and rutile are processed into titanium dioxide pigment and titanium metal, critical for industries such as paints, aerospace, nuclear energy and electric mobility.

The move comes amid growing global concerns over China’s dominance in critical mineral supply chains. China controls more than half of global titanium mineral production and over 90 per cent of rare earth processing capacity. India currently imports more than 75 per cent of its titanium dioxide pigment requirement, much of it from China, despite having substantial reserves.

Demand for rare earth permanent magnets in India is projected to grow at over 15 per cent annually, driven by EV adoption and renewable energy expansion, with overall demand expected to double by 2030.

APMDC has secured approvals for 10 major beach sand deposits across Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada and Krishna districts. The state plans to create an integrated value chain covering extraction, mineral separation, refining and downstream manufacturing.

With six operational ports and expanding industrial corridors, Andhra Pradesh aims to position itself as a major hub for titanium, rare earth oxides and advanced materials, strengthening India’s critical mineral security.