Energy and Petrochemicals Minister Rushikesh Patel assured the Gujarat Legislative Assembly that there are no black trap quarries in Bhemal and the surrounding rural areas of Danta taluka in Banaskantha district. While the region does have numerous building stone and granite leases, black trap mineral quarries are non-existent. Out of the 107 mining leases in these rural areas, 76 are currently operational, with 31 under the Any Time Royalty (ATR) system being shut down.
In Danta taluka, specifically, there are two active granite leases and 74 building stone leases, totaling 76 operational leases. Minister Patel elaborated on the closure of certain leases, mentioning reasons such as the absence of a submitted mining plan for one granite lease and non-payment of dues for five building stone leases. Additionally, 31 leases were closed due to various environmental clearance issues, including proximity to a wildlife sanctuary and failure to submit required clearances.
Minister Patel also distinguished between black trap and building stone, highlighting that black trap, a type of basalt, is primarily used as crushed aggregate in construction due to its durability and strength. On the other hand, building stone comprises natural rocks utilized in various construction projects like houses and roads. These distinctions are crucial under Gujarat’s minor mineral concession rules for efficient administration based on geological characteristics and usage. The Minister underscored the stringent monitoring of leases in the region, ensuring compliance with administrative measures like ATR closures and environmental clearances for sustainable mineral extraction in Bhemal and its environs.
