Real-time mineral monitoring system to curb illegal mining: Tamil Nadu government

The Tamil Nadu government has unveiled a comprehensive mineral management system aimed at real-time monitoring of mineral production and transportation. Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson unveiled the new system during the budget presentation, stating it would curb illegal mining, plug revenue leakages, and ensure sustainable extraction of the state's valuable mineral resources.

The technology-driven framework includes establishing district-level vigilance and enforcement wings to strengthen surveillance and crack down on illegal mining activities. In the past three months, authorities have seized 1,307 vehicles involved in illegal mineral transportation and registered 1,161 FIRs. Inspections of quarries revealed violations in 155 cases, leading to action against erring entities.

A special task force has been constituted to inspect crushing units and stockyards, while check posts have been set up along the state’s borders. To boost the granite industry, granite polishing and design centers will be set up in Pudukkottai and Perambalur districts, with a detailed project report to be prepared during the current financial year.

The government allocated Rs 438 crore for the sector in its revised budget estimates, with the hope of generating an additional Rs 15,000 crore in revenue through innovative IT initiatives like faceless GST assessments, faceless property registration, and end-to-end monitoring of mining activities.