**Executive Summary**
This document from the Government of Tamil Nadu, published on May 7, 2025, details amendments to the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959. The amendments primarily concern the quarrying of minor minerals, including granite, by the State Government and the grant/renewal of quarry leases to government-owned entities.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Rule 8-C (Quarrying by State Government/Government Entities):**
* The State Government may engage in quarrying minor minerals, including granite, in established areas.
* The State Government may grant or renew quarry leases for minor minerals, including granite, to State Government companies or corporations.
* **Application Process (Granite Quarry Lease):**
* Applications must be submitted to the District Collector or District Forest Officer using APPENDIX - VII.
* A non-refundable application fee of Rs. 5,000 is required.
* The District Collector or District Forest Officer forwards the application to the State Government via the Director of Geology and Mining within 30 days.
* The State Government ultimately decides on granting or refusing the quarry lease.
* If granted, the applicant must submit an approved mining plan within three months of notification.
* **Application Process (Other Minor Minerals - Not Granite or APPENDIX-I-B):**
* Applications must be submitted to the Assistant Director of Geology and Mining using APPENDIX - VII-C.
* A non-refundable application fee of Rs. 1,500 is required.
* The Assistant Director of Geology and Mining decides on granting or refusing the quarry lease.
* If granted, the applicant must submit an approved mining plan within three months of notification.
* **Lease Duration and Security Deposit:**
* Granite quarry leases have a maximum duration of 30 years (minimum 20 years).
* Before executing a granite lease, a security deposit of Rs. 40,000 is required.
* Before executing a lease of other minor minerals, a security deposit of Rs. 10,000 is required.
* **Lease Renewal (Granite):**
* Granite leases can be renewed for up to 20 years, subject to satisfactory performance.
* Renewal applications using APPENDIX - VII must be submitted 12 months before expiry.
* A non-refundable application fee of Rs. 5,000 is required.
* An approved mining plan/scheme must be submitted.
* **Financial Obligations:**
* The lessee must pay area assessment, seigniorage fee, or dead rent, whichever is greater.
* Other levies prescribed by the State Government are also payable.
* **Operational Requirements:**
* The lessee must obtain transport permits and despatch slips before removing and transporting minerals.
* Quarrying operations must be conducted scientifically, safely, and with consideration for the environment.
* **Granite Waste Usage:**
* Granite waste can be sold as road metal or raw material for manufactured sand with District Collector permission. Seigniorage fee is Rs. 100 per tonne.
* **Appendix Changes:**
* Appendix VII-C is added
* The title of the Form in APPENDIX - I-A is updated.
**Impact Analysis**
**State Government:**
* **Impact:** Given greater control and involvement in the quarrying of minor minerals, including granite.
* **Action Required:** Implement and enforce the amended rules, process applications for quarry leases, and oversee quarrying operations.
**Government Companies/Corporations:**
* **Impact:** Eligible to receive quarry leases for minor minerals, including granite, enabling them to engage in quarrying activities.
* **Action Required:** Prepare and submit applications for quarry leases, adhering to the new requirements and procedures.
**Applicants for Quarry Leases:**
* **Impact:** New application processes and fees now in place.
* **Action Required:** Review and adhere to the new application procedures, fee structures, and operational requirements outlined in the amended rules when applying for quarry leases, especially when the request is for minor minerals other than granite and other minerals specified in APPENDIX-I-B, which now requires completion of APPENDIX – VII-C.
**District Collectors/District Forest Officers/Assistant Directors of Geology and Mining:**
* **Impact:** New responsibilities in processing and forwarding applications, and overseeing quarrying operations.
* **Action Required:** Familiarise themselves with the new processes and ensure timely processing of applications and monitoring of quarrying activities.
Key Entities Referenced
Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959: The primary regulation being amended regarding quarrying of minerals in Tamil Nadu.
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: Central Act that provides the legal basis for the Tamil Nadu rules.
State Government: The entity directly involved in decision-making and granting quarry leases.
Department of Geology and Mining: Department responsible for implementing rules at the district level.
Chennai: Location where the gazette is published