Kurnool: Steatite, commonly known as soapstone, has become the ‘white gold’ in Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, with the mineral prices surging sharply in recent months. Industries using the mineral are those dealing with soaps, paints, electrical components, fuse bodies, idols, sculptures, heat-resistant utensils, and decorative tiles. In powder form, it is used by nearly 30 different industries. Once sold for around ₹3,000 per tonne, steatite is now fetching over ₹8,000, with demand for it rising from industries across the country. Though the mineral appears like an ordinary soft stone, it has wide industrial applications, making it a valuable mineral. In Andhra Pradesh, it is found only in limited pockets of Anantapur and Kurnool districts.
A major part of its deposits are located in Muchukota, Rayalacheruvu, and Orvakal. Among these, Muchukota is known for its high-grade steatite of superior quality. Officials attribute the sudden price rise to supply disruptions in states like Uttarakhand and Rajasthan, where mining activities have slowed due to delays in forest clearances. This has increased the demand for the mineral from Andhra Pradesh. Steatite is being mined from nearly 70 acres of mines in Muchukota, while about 23 mines are operational in Rayalacheruvu. Fresh leases have been granted in Orvakal, where activity is gradually picking up. However, strict norms limit the number of operators, with only a few leaseholders permitted to mine under regulated conditions. An official from Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation said, “Steatite from Andhra Pradesh is known for its superior quality. It is widely used across multiple industries. The demand for it has increased significantly in recent months.”
According to estimates, nearly 4,000 tonnes of steatite are being transported from Rayalaseema to industrial hubs such as Visakhapatnam, besides being supplied to units in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. A Rajasthan-based trader Anand Rathod said, “We do have steatite in our state. But the quality available in Andhra Pradesh is much better. That is why we source it from AP despite the transportation costs.” Leaseholder Nagendra Kumar, who recently secured mining permission in Orvakal, said, “As per geological surveys, the region has good quality reserves. With proper regulation and support, production can increase further.”Officials, however, are cautious about expanding mining of steatite. “Most of the deposits are located in sensitive areas, including forest land. While demand is high, environmental safeguards cannot be ignored,” an official underlined. But with rising demand and supplies from elsewhere limited, Rayalaseema’s steatite is now a high-value mineral, offering economic opportunities but posing regulatory challenges for the state.