Latest news with #MinesDepartment
Hans India
6 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
Rajasthan tops the nation in major mineral block auctions
Jaipur: Rajasthan has achieved a historic milestone in the mining sector, emerging as the top state in the country in the auction of major mineral blocks. According to the auction provisions notified by the Central government in 2016, a total of 500 major mineral blocks have been allotted across India so far, out of which 103 - more than 20 per cent - have been allotted in Rajasthan alone. Remarkably, 64 of these were auctioned in the last 18 months during the current government's tenure. The state government is now actively working to bring these blocks into operation to boost investment, revenue generation, and employment opportunities. In line with the Chief Minister's vision, the state has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining. The Mines Department has implemented a transparent and effective mechanism for exploration, block delineation, and timely auctions. Within three months of the new government assuming office, 15 blocks were auctioned via the MSTC portal, followed by a record 34 blocks in 2024-25. As of July 2025, 15 more blocks have already been auctioned, with the process for another 12 currently underway. Rajasthan has also recorded a sharp rise in royalty revenue, collecting Rs 9,228 crore in 2024-2025, 24 per cent more than the previous year, said officials. To fast-track the operationalisation of auctioned blocks, the Mines Department has launched a coordination platform in July involving key departments such as Revenue, Forest and Environment, the Indian Bureau of Mines, and the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). A Post-Auction Facilitation Cell has also been set up to streamline administrative approvals. The department has set a target to operationalise 10 new mines by November-December this year. Rajasthan's auction model has also received national acclaim for its transparency and effectiveness. In January, the Union Ministry of Mines awarded Rajasthan the first prize for its outstanding performance in mineral block auctions at the Third Conference of State Mining Ministers held in Konark, Odisha. To date, 77 mining leases and 26 composite licenses have been issued, covering minerals like limestone (75 blocks), iron ore (11), base metals (5), manganese (3), gold (2), siliceous earth (4), potash (2), and garnet (1). With these developments, Rajasthan is fast emerging as a national leader in responsible and high-impact mining governance.
New Indian Express
28-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Lease system for minor minerals from June 30 in Andhra Pradesh
VIJAYAWADA: The coalition government has announced the reintroduction of an application-based lease system for minor minerals, marking a major reform in the State's mineral resource management. The initiative, introduced under the Minor Mineral Policy 2025, was formalised through G.O. Ms. No. 57 dated April 18. The policy aims to streamline the allocation and regulation of minor minerals, including granite, marble, and construction materials. To support this move, the government issued amendments to the Andhra Pradesh Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1966, through G.O. Ms. No. 100 on June 26. Officials said the reforms are intended to enhance transparency and extend greater benefits to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and infrastructure developers. Starting June 30 at 9 am, applications for new leases on government lands can be submitted via the Mines Department's Single Desk Portal ( The reform is expected to boost economic activity and employment generation.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sand prices increase by Rs 1,000 per unit in Tamil Nadu
COIMBATORE: The Tamil Nadu Stone Quarry, Crusher and Lorry Owners Association increased the prices of M-sand, P-sand and jalli by Rs1,000 per unit from Tuesday. The association had launched an indefinite strike on April 16, urging the govt to withdraw the newly imposed mineral-bearing land tax . The Mines Department began levying this tax - Rs90 per tonne of rough boulder - starting April 4. With the introduction of this tax, quarry owners are now required to pay an additional Rs700 per unit of rough boulder. In addition, the seigniorage fee was revised from cubic metres to one tonne, resulting in an additional payment of Rs554 per unit to the Mines Department, compared to the earlier Rs254. K Chinnasamy, president, Tamil Nadu Stone Quarry, Crusher and Lorry Owners Association, said a meeting was held with water resources minister Duraimurugan and senior govt officials on Monday to discuss the new tax, seigniorage fee hike and other demands. "However, the govt refused to roll back the new tax and fee hike. Instead, the govt permitted us to increase the cost of materials. We withdraw the strike, as the govt agreed to consider 22 of our 24 demands." Arvind Kumar, president, the district chapter of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India, said the price hike would affect the construction sector. "The prices of M-sand, P-sand and jalli were hiked thrice in the past six months. M-sand, which cost Rs4,900 per unit in November, now costs Rs6,450. The price of P-sand has increased from Rs5,800 to Rs7,552 per unit. Similarly, the price of jalli has gone up from Rs3,900 to Rs5,523 per unit. These steep increases will directly impact the ongoing projects and contractors by escalating overall construction costs ." He said they were planning to represent this issue to the govt and urge the state to regulate and control the price hike. Coimbatore Builders and Contractors Association president Ramyaa R Senthil said the price hike over the past year was abnormal. Instead of controlling it, the state govt has allowed the increase in building material prices, he said.
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Construction costs to spiral up as sand prices increase by 1,000 per unit
Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu Stone Quarry, Crusher and Lorry Owners Association increased the prices of M-sand, P-sand and jalli by Rs1,000 per unit from Tuesday. The association had launched an indefinite strike on April 16, urging the govt to withdraw the newly imposed mineral-bearing land tax . The Mines Department began levying this tax - Rs90 per tonne of rough boulder - starting April 4. With the introduction of this tax, quarry owners are now required to pay an additional Rs700 per unit of rough boulder. In addition, the seigniorage fee was revised from cubic metres to one tonne, resulting in an additional payment of Rs554 per unit to the Mines Department, compared to the earlier Rs254. K Chinnasamy, president, Tamil Nadu Stone Quarry, Crusher and Lorry Owners Association, said a meeting was held with water resources minister Duraimurugan and senior govt officials on Monday to discuss the new tax, seigniorage fee hike and other demands. "However, the govt refused to roll back the new tax and fee hike. Instead, the govt permitted us to increase the cost of materials. We withdraw the strike, as the govt agreed to consider 22 of our 24 demands." Arvind Kumar, president, the district chapter of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India, said the price hike would affect the construction sector. "The prices of M-sand, P-sand and jalli were hiked thrice in the past six months. M-sand, which cost Rs4,900 per unit in November, now costs Rs6,450. The price of P-sand has increased from Rs5,800 to Rs7,552 per unit. Similarly, the price of jalli has gone up from Rs3,900 to Rs5,523 per unit. These steep increases will directly impact the ongoing projects and contractors by escalating overall construction costs ." He said they were planning to represent this issue to the govt and urge the state to regulate and control the price hike. Coimbatore Builders and Contractors Association president Ramyaa R Senthil said the price hike over the past year was abnormal. Instead of controlling it, the state govt has allowed the increase in building material prices, he said.
