The Andhra Pradesh government has initiated detailed exploration of six gold-bearing blocks at Javakula in Ananthapur district of Rayalaseema region after two earlier auction attempts failed to attract bidders, with the areas set to be re-auctioned once mineral resources are established.

The six Javakula Gold Blocks (A to F), spread over about 5,560 hectares in Nambulipulikunta mandal, have been allotted to six Notified Private Exploration Agencies (NPEAs) for G2-level exploration under Composite Licence (CL) provisions.

The blocks are located within the Veligallu Greenstone Belt in the Kothapalle Block area, where reconnaissance exploration was carried out by M/s Geomysore Services India Private Limited (GMSI) under a 240 sq. km permit granted in 2001.

Based on the findings, the company later applied for a Prospecting Licence over 60 sq. km. However, following amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act in 2015, the areas were notified for auction under the Composite Licence regime.

The Mineral Exploration Research and Innovation Trust (MERIT) of the Government of Andhra Pradesh subsequently conducted G4-level geological investigations across all the six blocks.

The studies indicated that the area was geologically prospective for gold mineralisation, with structural characteristics comparable to the Kolar Greenstone Belt. However, no resource estimation could be made at the G4 stage because drilling had not been undertaken, resulting in the failure of the first auction and a second attempt during 2022-23 due to lack of bidder interest.

To advance exploration, an Expression of Interest was issued on February 7, 2026, inviting NPEAs to undertake G2-level investigations, including detailed geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, and diamond drilling.

The agencies that had been allotted the six blocks were Critical Mineral Trackers (Javakula A), Gemco Kati Exploration Pvt. Ltd. (B), Bhushilp Mines & Minerals Pvt. Ltd. (C), Gems Projects Pvt. Ltd. (D), Geo Explore Pvt. Ltd. (E), and S & S Geological Consultants (F).

“After completion of G2-level exploration and establishment of mineral resources, the six gold blocks will be put up for auction,” Mr. Mukesh Kumar Meena, Principal Secretary,  Mines Department, told The Hindu.

The government had already permitted gold mining at Jonnagiri of Tuggali Mandal in Kurnool district, which commenced commercial exploitation earlier this week. This apart, the government is gearing up for auctioning the Ramagiri and Boksampalli gold blocks in Anantapur district and Chigurgunta–Bisanatham Gold Block in Chittoor district.

Stages of exploration

The Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, 2015, provide that mineral exploration progresses through four stages: Reconnaissance Survey (G4), Preliminary Exploration (G3), General Exploration (G2), and Detailed Exploration (G1). Each stage increases the level of geological assurance and leads respectively to the classification of Reconnaissance, Inferred, Indicated, and Measured Mineral Resources. The definitions are based on the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) and the CRIRSCO Template, suitably modified for Indian conditions. These stages form the legal framework for establishing the existence of mineral contents under the Rules.