Andhra Pradesh is poised for a major industrial boost as its vast iron ore reserves are expected to attract investments of nearly ₹2 lakh crore, according to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Speaking during a review of the state’s Mines Department, the Chief Minister highlighted that Andhra Pradesh holds approximately 1,938 million tonnes of iron ore reserves, presenting a significant opportunity to drive industrial growth and position the state as a major steel production hub.
Naidu stated that the sector alone could attract around ₹1.9 lakh crore in investments and generate employment for over 1.5 lakh people. He also noted that iron ore utilisation in the state is expected to increase nearly fourfold in the coming years, further strengthening its economic potential.
The state government is actively working to leverage these reserves by promoting large-scale steel manufacturing projects. Major industry players are already planning significant investments, including a 17.8 million tonne capacity steel plant by ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India and a proposed plant by JSW Steel in the Rayalaseema region.
By 2035, the combined steel production capacity from these developments is expected to exceed 20 million tonnes annually, reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s ambitions to emerge as a key steel manufacturing destination in India.
The government has also outlined ambitious production targets, aiming to scale iron ore output to 30 million tonnes by 2030 and further to 113 million tonnes by 2035.
To support this growth, the Chief Minister has directed officials to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for expanding mining and steel production capacity, accelerate the allocation of iron ore blocks, and promote value-added processing rather than exporting raw materials.
The development aligns with the state’s broader strategy to boost industrialisation, attract large-scale investments, and generate employment through resource-based manufacturing.
With abundant reserves, strong policy push, and growing industry interest, Andhra Pradesh is positioning itself as a future hub for steel and mineral-based industries, contributing significantly to India’s industrial growth trajectory.
