Three Ilmenite mining plants in AP : Minister

Hyderabad, Jan 9 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Mining and Geology minister Sabita Reddy today said the State Government has signed MoUs with three companies to set up Ilmenite mining plants from the beach sand in the state.

Talking to newspersons here, Ms Sabita said the Government has agreed to lease the mines, located in the coastal districts to Switzerland-based Bothli Trade AG, Tamil Nadu based VV Minerals Private limited and Trimax company.

The Government has send the proposals to the centre for clearance. Stating that the state has 116 million tonnes of Ilmenite reserves, out of 278 million tonnes in the country, has the raw mineral to produce Titanium metal, used in the manufacturing of aeroplanes, she said the companies also produce value added products from the mineral.

The mining companies would create 15,000 jobs directly and indirectly, besides developing the coastal region as a hub of industries, Ms Sabita said, adding that AP Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) was also a partner in the proposed mining plants.

UNI