Centre taking steps to curb illegal mining at beaches

Vijayawada: Union Minister of State for Mines, Coal and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi on Monday said they are taking steps to prevent illegal mining of beach minerals by seeking cooperation from the States concerned. In reply to a query by YSRCP member V Vijayasai Reddy, he said the Ministry of Mines has invited comments/ suggestions of the stakeholders – Central government ministries/ departments, States and Union Territories, mining industry stakeholders, industry associations, general public, and other persons and entities concerned on the proposal to remove certain atomic minerals including beach sand minerals in Part B of the First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation & Development) [MMDR] Act, 1957.

Some of these minerals are technology and energy critical (elements) having uses in the space industry, electronics, information technology and communications, energy sector, electric batteries and the nuclear industry and are critical in net zero emission commitment of India. Country is dependent on imports for most of these important commodities. These minerals have high economic importance and considerable supply risk due to geo-political uncertainties, he stated. Data regarding incidence of illegal mining of such minerals is not maintained centrally, the minister pointed out.