**Executive Summary**
This document details amendments made by the Governor of Tamil Nadu to the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959, as per the powers conferred by section 15 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The amendments primarily concern the removal of granite waste and the associated permissions and payments required. The document is dated May 7, 2025.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Granite Waste Removal Requirements:**
* In rule 8, sub-rule 18, a clause (ma) is inserted stipulating that lessees must obtain permission from the District Collector before removing granite waste.
* Removal requires payment of seigniorage fee as per APPENDIX –II.
* Mandatory contributions to the Green Fund (rule 35-B) and the District Mineral Foundation Trust Fund are required at rates prescribed by the Government.
* **Granite Waste Removal Requirements:**
* In rule 19-A, after sub-rule (20), a sub-rule (21) is inserted stipulating that lessees must obtain permission from the District Collector before removing granite waste.
* Removal requires payment of seigniorage fee as per APPENDIX –II.
* Mandatory contributions to the Green Fund (rule 35-B) and the District Mineral Foundation Trust Fund are required at rates prescribed by the Government.
* **Disposal of Granite Waste - Rule 46:**
* If a lessee of granite quarries granted under the erstwhile rule 8-A wants to remove granite waste, they must obtain permission from the District Collector.
* Payment of seigniorage fee is required as per APPENDIX-II.
* Mandatory contributions to the Green Fund (rule 35-B) and the District Mineral Foundation Trust Fund are required at rates prescribed by the Government.
* The Government may auction granite waste from Government land for which a lease was granted under the erstwhile rule 8-A and the lease was expired.
* The successful bidder must remove the granite waste with the permission of the District Collector.
* The successful bidder must pay the seigniorage fee as per APPENDIX-II and make contributions to the Green Fund (rule 35-B) and the District Mineral Foundation Trust Fund at the rates prescribed by the Government.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Lessees of Granite Quarries**
* **Impact:** Lessees are now required to obtain permission from the District Collector and pay seigniorage, and contribute to the Green Fund and District Mineral Foundation Trust Fund before removing granite waste.
* **Action Required:** Lessees must adhere to the new regulations when planning to remove granite waste, including obtaining permission, calculating and paying the fees, and making the necessary contributions.
**Stakeholder: District Collectors**
* **Impact:** District Collectors are now responsible for granting permission for granite waste removal and ensuring the required payments are made.
* **Action Required:** Establish a process for reviewing and approving requests for granite waste removal, collecting seigniorage fees, and ensuring contributions to the Green Fund and District Mineral Foundation Trust Fund.
**Stakeholder: Government of Tamil Nadu**
* **Impact:** The Government may auction the granite waste, as per the procedures specified by the Government from time to time, from the Government land for which lease was granted under the erstwhile rule 8-A and the lease was expired.
* **Action Required:** Establish procedures for the auctioning of granite waste from the Government land.
Key Entities Referenced
Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959: The principal set of regulations being amended.
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: The central act providing the legal basis for the amendments.
Natural Resources Department: The government department issuing the notification.
District Collector: Official who must grant permission for granite waste removal.
Green Fund: One of the funds to which contributions must be made for granite waste removal.