With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements: 1. Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country. 2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government. 3. State Government have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Contents19
- A1 and 3 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (A) 1 and 3 only
Sand is classified as a 'minor mineral' under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals, while the Central Government deals with major minerals.
Sand mining became a major environmental and legal issue across Indian states, leading to numerous Supreme Court interventions and stricter regulations.
The question tests whether students understand that for minor minerals, state governments have complete authority - both for granting leases and making rules, unlike major minerals where the Centre has more control.
Minor Minerals Classification
Geography minor mineral sand
Minor Minerals: Definition & Classification Under MMDR Act
Sand is classified as a minor mineral under MMDR Act 1957
Minor minerals are defined by exclusion — what's not listed as major mineral
Minor minerals regulation is a state subject under Constitution
Building stones, gravel, ordinary clay are other common minor minerals
What Are Minor Minerals
Minor minerals are defined by exclusion in the MMDR Act 1957 — any mineral not specified in the First Schedule (major minerals) becomes a minor mineral. These are typically building materials and industrial raw materials used locally.
Major vs Minor Minerals
Category | Examples | Economic Value | Regulation |
|---|---|---|---|
Major Minerals | Coal, iron ore, petroleum, gold | High strategic value | Central Government control |
Minor Minerals | Sand, gravel, clay, building stone | Local/regional importance | State Government control |
Common Minor Minerals
Sand — most commonly extracted, used in construction
Gravel and pebbles — road construction and concrete
Ordinary clay — brick making and pottery
Building stone — dimension stone for construction
Kankar and murrum — road surfacing materials
Trap: Don't assume sand is major mineral because of its economic importance — classification is legal, not economic
Confusion: Silica sand (industrial grade) might be major mineral, but ordinary sand is always minor
Minor Minerals Governance Framework
Geography State Governments mining leases rules Central Government
State vs Central Powers in Minor Minerals Management
State Governments have complete control over minor minerals — leases AND rule-making
Central Government controls only major minerals listed in First Schedule
States can frame anti-illegal mining rules under Section 23C of MMDR Act
Constitutional Basis
Under the Constitution's Seventh Schedule, minor minerals fall in the State List (Entry 23). This gives state governments exclusive authority over their regulation, unlike major minerals which are in the Union List.
Division of Mining Powers
Aspect | Major Minerals | Minor Minerals |
|---|---|---|
Granting leases | Central Government | State Government |
Rule-making power | Central Government | State Government |
Revenue collection | Central + State share | State keeps 100% |
Illegal mining prevention | Central agencies | State machinery |
Environmental clearance | Union Ministry | State boards (small scale) |
State Government Powers
Grant mining leases — complete authority over lease terms and conditions
Frame mining rules — procedures, royalty rates, environmental safeguards
Prevent illegal mining — under Section 23C of MMDR Act
Collect royalty — states keep 100% of minor mineral revenue
Environmental monitoring — through State Pollution Control Boards
Question Connection
Statement 2 was the trap — it incorrectly claimed Central Government frames rules for minor minerals. In reality, state governments handle both lease-granting AND rule-making for minor minerals. Only major minerals have central rule-making.
Major trap: Statement 2 swaps state and central powers — states do BOTH leasing AND rule-making for minor minerals
Don't confuse: Major minerals = Central control, Minor minerals = State control
Remember: Section 23C specifically empowers states for anti-illegal mining measures
Illegal Mining Prevention Measures
Geography illegal mining State Government
State Powers Against Illegal Mining: Section 23C Framework
Section 23C of MMDR Act empowers states to prevent illegal mining
States can make rules for mining, transport, and storage of minerals
Sand mining is most commonly targeted due to environmental damage
Legal Framework
Section 23C of the MMDR Act 1957 specifically empowers state governments to frame rules preventing illegal mining, transport, and storage of minerals. This covers both major and minor minerals within state boundaries.
Illegal Mining Prevention Process
%%{init: {"flowchart": {"wrappingWidth": 460}}}%%
flowchart TD
s1["`**State Rule-Making**
Frame rules under Section 23C for monitoring and enforcement`"]
s2["`**Ground Surveillance**
Deploy mining inspectors and district collectors for field monitoring`"]
s3["`**Transport Checking**
Set up checkpoints to verify mineral transport permits`"]
s4["`**Storage Auditing**
Monitor stockyards and ensure proper documentation`"]
s5["`**Penalty & Prosecution**
Impose fines and initiate criminal proceedings under MMDR Act`"]
s1 --> s2
s2 --> s3
s3 --> s4
s4 --> s5Common Enforcement Measures
Transit passes — mandatory for mineral transport with quantity limits
Mining inspectors — state-appointed officers for regular site visits
GPS tracking — for mining vehicles in sensitive areas
Environmental impact assessment — mandatory for larger operations
Joint raids — coordination between mining, forest, and police departments
Why Illegal Mining Matters
Revenue loss — states lose significant royalty and tax income
Environmental damage — unregulated extraction destroys ecosystems
Sand mining impact — riverbed damage, groundwater depletion
Safety hazards — unscientific mining causes accidents and landslides
Section 23C is key statutory provision — remember this specific section number
Don't limit to mining only — Section 23C covers transport and storage too
State power applies to both major and minor minerals for illegal mining prevention
MMDR Act 1957 Structure
Geography MMDR Act
MMDR Act 1957: India's Primary Mining Legislation
MMDR Act 1957 is India's primary law governing mining operations
First Schedule lists major minerals under central control
Act covers prospecting, mining leases, royalties, and enforcement
Act Overview
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957 is India's comprehensive mining law. It establishes the regulatory framework for mineral exploration, extraction, and administration across the country.
Key MMDR Act Provisions
Section | Provision | Significance |
|---|---|---|
Section 3 | Central Government controls major minerals | Defines central vs state jurisdiction |
Section 15 | Mining lease procedures and conditions | Core operational framework |
Section 9 | Royalty payment mechanisms | Revenue generation for states |
Section 21 | Penalties for violations | Enforcement and compliance |
Section 23C | Illegal mining prevention powers | State enforcement authority |
MMDR Act Structure
# MMDR Act 1957
## Mineral Classification
- First Schedule (Major)
- Minor minerals (by exclusion)
## Leasing System
- Prospecting licenses
- Mining leases
- Composite licenses
## Administration
- Central powers
- State powers
- Revenue sharing
## Enforcement
- Section 23C powers
- Penalties
- Illegal mining preventionRecent Amendments
2015 Amendment — introduced auction system for major mineral leases
Composite licenses — single license for exploration and production
District Mineral Foundation — mandatory contribution for mining areas
Transfer of mining leases — allowed with government approval
Reconnaissance permits — for preliminary mineral surveys
First Schedule defines major minerals — everything else is minor by exclusion
Don't confuse MMDR Act 1957 with Coal Mines Act or Petroleum Act — separate laws
Section numbers matter — Section 23C specifically for illegal mining prevention