Tamil Nadu Sets Up State Mineral Corporation to Regulate Mining

Natural Resources Minister T.K. Prabhu announced in Chennai on Tuesday the entry of the public sector into the mining industry through the formation of the Tamil Nadu Mineral Resources Development Corporation Limited, alongside several technological initiatives aimed at curbing illegal mining.

Replying to the discussion on demands for grants to his ministry, Prabhu outlined the establishment of a separate drone section, an integrated digital mineral management platform, and a dedicated mines control and monitoring centre to oversee operations across the state.

Until now, private entities handled mining activities in the state, leading to concerns over environmental degradation from indiscriminate quarrying and revenue losses to the government due to irregularities. The newly formed state-owned corporation will carry out mining activities, separate minerals, improve mineral quality, handle imports, manage value addition and marketing, and facilitate investments within the mining department.

To ensure scientific management, the integrated digital mineral management platform will track the Geological and Mines department's activities on a real-time basis. The accompanying control and monitoring centre will be equipped with modern facilities for continuous oversight of mining sites. Additionally, a drone section within the department, supported by satellite imagery, will detect illegal mining operations and verify the actual quantity of minerals extracted from leased areas.

Prabhu also announced the creation of a monitoring section within the Geological and Mining department to probe allegations against departmental officials within a set time frame. This unit will coordinate its investigations with the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption and other relevant agencies.

Among other initiatives, the minister stated that a plant fossil park will be established in Gunduperumbedu in Sriperumbudur in Kanchipuram district to safeguard plant fossils that are 60 crore years old. The government will also prepare a detailed project report to develop mine tourist centres at abandoned stone quarries.

New policies will be formulated to assess modern techniques for recycling mineral waste, while mining department regulations will be reviewed to ensure adequate stone supplies for traditional idol makers and grinding stone manufacturers. A grievance centre will also be established within the department to address issues faced by entrepreneurs and the general public.