The Andhra Pradesh Government has decided to cancel barytes mining leases issued for the mines located in Mangampeta of Kadapa district of the State.
The State Cabinet has also decided to institute a probe into the allotment of these mining leases in 2004 as it felt had caused major loss to the exchequer.
The barytes mined here is in demand globally and the Cabinet has resolved to offer mining leases henceforth by floating global tenders.
About 250 hectares in Kadapa is home for some of the best quality of barytes resrves in the world and estimated to be worth ₹50,000 crore and the State is keen to mobile resources identifying miners and increasing revenues.
The Cabinet observed that there were several lapses in awarding mining leases without having escalation clause.
In another decision, the cabinet has allotted 35 acres land for setting up of 16 MW wind power farm into ZR Renewable energy private limited and Nedcap joint venture.
Capital bill The Cabinet also approved AP Capital Region Development Bill 2014 and this may come up in the form of an ordinance.
As per the Bill, a capital region development authority to be chaired by the Chief Minister with 22 members would be constituted.
It would have power to notify capital region, the area that comes under the overall development and take care of infrastructure creation and land pooling for development.
Later, addressing a press conference, Siddha Raghava Rao, Minister for Transport, Roads and Buildings, said that the Government is keen to develop the Donakonda Industrial Corridor in Prakasham district of the State by building necessary infrastructure.
He said companies across different sectors have approached the Government to set up units. These include solar module manufacturers, steel and granite firms and pharma companies, among others.