Q. With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements :
- Sand is a 'minor mineral' according to the prevailing law in the country.
- 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.
- State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2019)
Answer:
1 and 3 only
Notes: The correct answer is
[A] 1 and 3 only. The management of minerals in India is governed by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), which distinguishes between "major" and "minor" minerals.
- Statement 1 – Correct: Section 3(e) of the MMDR Act defines "minor minerals." While the Act originally listed items like building stones and gravel, the Central Government has the power to declare other minerals as minor. Sand was officially declared a minor mineral through a government notification.
- Statement 2 – Incorrect: Unlike major minerals, the administrative and legislative powers for minor minerals are almost entirely delegated to the State Governments. Section 15 of the MMDR Act empowers State Governments to frame rules for regulating the grant of quarry leases, mining leases, and other mineral concessions in respect of minor minerals.
- Statement 3 – Correct: Section 23C of the MMDR Act specifically empowers State Governments to frame rules for preventing illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minerals. This includes the power to set up check posts and inspect mineral transport.
While the Central Government retains the power to declare a mineral as "minor," the actual regulation of the mining process and the formulation of rules for granting leases rest with the respective State Governments.