The Tamil Nadu government is intensifying its efforts to address irregularities in the state’s mineral resources sector. State Minister for Mines and Minerals, Prabhu, has been conducting surprise inspections in various districts, ordering the closure of quarries found violating mining regulations. Additionally, officials suspected of neglecting illegal mining activities are being transferred en masse.
The government’s actions initially led to a rise in M-Sand prices due to disruptions in black granite quarries. However, a proposed price increase was retracted after the minister met with industry associations to caution against exploitation. Simultaneously, a thorough investigation has been initiated into alleged violations by M-Sand manufacturing units.
M-Sand, an alternative to river sand, is produced by crushing hard black stone. The government has long advocated for M-Sand in construction as a sustainable substitute for natural river sand. Despite having 506 registered M-Sand units, around 40% of them have failed to renew their registrations, raising concerns about quality and compliance.
Authorities have discovered that many units have operated without renewal for over three years, prompting scrutiny of the quality of M-Sand supplied to the construction industry. The government is considering legal and administrative actions against these units for non-compliance. Efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in the mining sector are underway, with enforcement actions against unregistered M-Sand manufacturers expected soon.
