With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:
1. Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: Under Section 3(e) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), ordinary sand is statutory classified and notified as a ‘minor mineral’.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Under Section 15 of the MMDR Act, State Governments (not the Central Government) have complete statutory powers to make rules for regulating the grant of quarry leases, mining leases, and mineral concessions for minor minerals.
Statement 3 is correct: Under Section 23C of the MMDR Act, State Governments are explicitly empowered to frame rules for preventing illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minor minerals.
Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct — Option A.