Amendments To The Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959.

**Executive Summary** This document is a notification from the Natural Resources Department of the Tamil Nadu Government, published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette on April 22, 2025. It announces amendments to the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules of 1959, specifically regarding quarrying lease periods for rough stone and the amalgamation of quarry leases. Lessees seeking extension of their lease period have an action item to submit an application and mining scheme to the Assistant Director of Geology and Mining at least 180 days before the lease expiry. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Amendment to Rule 20 (Quarrying Lease Period):** * **Minimum and Maximum Lease Period:** Changes the minimum and maximum lease periods for quarrying rough stone in areas not previously quarried: * Minimum lease: one year. * Maximum lease: Fifteen years for areas up to five hectares, twenty years for areas above five hectares but less than ten hectares, and thirty years for areas of ten hectares and above. * **Lease Period for Other Areas:** Specifies the lease period for quarrying rough stone in other areas: ten years for area up to five hectares, fifteen years for area above five hectares but less than ten hectares and twenty-five years for areas of ten hectares and above. * **Lease Extension Provision:** Lessees with existing rough stone quarrying leases of a lesser period can apply for an extension to match the increased periods. They must use Form APPENDIX -VI and include an approved mining scheme obtained under sub-rule (9) of rule 41. Submission must be at least 180 days before the lease expires to the Assistant Director of Geology and Mining. * **Addition of Rule 45 (Amalgamation of Quarry Leases):** * **Authority to Permit Amalgamation:** The State Government, District Collector, or Assistant Director of Geology and Mining (whichever granted the lease) can permit amalgamation of two or more adjoining leases held by a lessee for mineral development. This must be recorded in writing with reasons. * **Prior Permission:** Requires lessees to obtain prior permission from the Chief Inspector of Mines under regulation 111 of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961, before applying for amalgamation. * **Application Requirements:** Applications for amalgamation must be submitted to the authority who granted the quarry lease, including the approved modified mining plan and modified Environmental Clearance for the combined area. * **Lease Period for Amalgamated Leases:** The period of amalgamated leases will coincide with the lease that expires first. **Impact Analysis** **Current Lessees** * **Impact:** Lessees who wish to apply for extensions to match the newly introduced increased lease periods will benefit. Furthermore, lessees holding adjacent quarry leases now have the option to amalgamate their leases, which can potentially streamline operations. * **Action Required:** Lessees need to submit the required application along with the approved scheme of mining to the Assistant Director of Geology and Mining at least 180 days before the expiry of the lease period if they intend to extend their quarry lease. They must also seek prior permission from the Chief Inspector of Mines before applying for amalgamation, then submit an application with the required supporting documentation to the applicable authority. **Government (State Government, District Collector, Assistant Director of Geology and Mining)** * **Impact:** The government entities responsible for granting and regulating quarrying leases will need to implement the new rules regarding lease periods and the amalgamation of leases. * **Action Required:** These entities must review and process applications for lease extensions and amalgamations according to the new guidelines, ensuring that all requirements are met. **Chief Inspector of Mines** * **Impact:** The Chief Inspector of Mines will be the contact point to seek prior permission. * **Action Required:** The Chief Inspector of Mines must assess and grant or deny the applications.

Key Entities Referenced