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.?
Correct Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Note: According to section 3(e) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 sand is a 'minor mineral. It states that 'minor minerals' means building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, ordinary sand other than sand used for prescribed purposes, and any other mineral which the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare to be a minor mineral. Thus, statement I is correct.
According to section 15 of the MMDR Act, 1957 the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for, regulating the grant of quarry, leases, mining leases or other mineral concessions in respect of minor minerals and for purposes connected therewith. Thus, statement 2 is incorrect.
As per section 23C of the aforesaid Act the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for preventing illegal mining, transportation and storage of minerals and for the purposes connected therewith. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
