Andhra Pradesh is ready to become a key player in mining Rare Earth Minerals (REM) along its long 1,053-km coastline. The state has 16,000 hectares of beach sands rich in these minerals, mainly found in Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts. The Central government’s Union Budget 2026 announced support for Rare Earth Corridors (RECs) in four southern states, including Andhra Pradesh. Pravin Kumar, vice-chairman and managing director of Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC), told The Hindu on Friday, "30% of the country’s monazite deposits were located in Andhra Pradesh." He said exploration is progressing well under the Atomic Minerals Directorate and Indian Rare Earths Limited. Andhra Pradesh plans to ramp up mining and processing of monazite, ilmenite, and other valuable minerals for various commercial uses. APMDC already secured 1,000 hectares of beach sand from Bheemunipatnam to Gara mandal, where mining is happening on a pilot basis. It also received permission to explore an additional 5,000 acres. Large deposits of ilmenite can help build titanium-based industries. Seventeen types of rare earth minerals and metals have been found along the coast. These can support industries like renewable energy, aerospace, defense, and electronics by making Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM). The Rare Earth Corridors in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are expected to boost REPM manufacturing. Mr. Pravin Kumar mentioned plans to set up titanium-based industrial clusters. APMDC is waiting for official guidelines on RECs to push mining efforts. Meanwhile, it is working on clearances to be ready. With Central support and the right approvals, Andhra Pradesh could soon become a major supplier of strategic minerals.