**Executive Summary**
This document is a Tamil Nadu Government Gazette notification, issued on August 17, 2022, containing amendments to the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules of 1959, under the authority granted by Section 15 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957. These amendments define "Granite Waste" and specify the conditions for its sale, focusing on its use for road construction and artificial sand production. The effective date of the amendments is May 9, 2022.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Definition of Granite Waste:**
* "Granite Waste" is defined as material with dimensions less than 15 cm x 10 cm.
* It is unsuitable for sale as granite slabs.
* It can be used as gravel for road construction, for artificial sand production, or for any other purpose.
* **Sale of Granite Waste:**
* Granite waste may be sold with the permission of the District Collector.
* It can be used as gravel for road construction, for artificial sand production, or for any other purpose.
* The royalty for granite waste is set at ₹100 per ton.
* **Amendment to Rule 12(2-A)(1):**
* A new condition is added: The duration of permission for projects including Indian National Highways Authority, State Highways, or Railway tracks should not exceed one year.
**Impact Analysis**
* **Key Stakeholders:**
* **Granite Quarry Operators:** Affected by the new definition of granite waste and regulations regarding its sale and utilization.
* **Impact:** Can now sell granite waste for road construction, artificial sand production, or other purposes, subject to District Collector approval and royalty payment.
* **Action Required:** Obtain permission from the District Collector to sell granite waste and pay the prescribed royalty of ₹100 per ton.
* **District Collectors:** Required to grant permission for the sale of granite waste.
* **Impact:** Assumed responsibility for regulating the sale and utilization of granite waste within their districts.
* **Action Required:** Establish a procedure for granting permission for the sale of granite waste and ensure compliance with the regulations.
* **Road Construction Companies and Artificial Sand Producers:** Beneficiaries of the new regulations allowing the use of granite waste.
* **Impact:** Have access to a new, potentially cheaper source of material for road construction and artificial sand production.
* **Action Required:** Obtain granite waste from quarry operators with the necessary permissions.
* **Indian National Highways Authority, State Highways, or Railway Tracks Project Authorities:** Impacted by the condition added to Rule 12(2-A)(1)
* **Impact:** The duration of permission for projects should not exceed one year.
* **Action Required:** Ensure permissions do not exceed one year.
Key Entities Referenced
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957: Central Act 67 of 1957, related to the development and regulation of mines and minerals.
Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959: Rules governing minor mineral concessions in Tamil Nadu. Amended by this notification.
Industries Department: Tamil Nadu government department responsible for industries, issues the order.
Tamil Nadu: State where the policy is applicable