Strengthening safety and regulatory framework in stone quarries (Minor Mineral) for Sustainable Infrastructure in India

Small Scale Minor mineral quarries, particularly those extracting stone, are indispensable for the development of roads, buildings, and various public infrastructures. However, these sites are increasingly characterized by unsafe mining practices, unauthorized operations, illegal use of explosives, and frequent accidents. This paper proposes a stringent safety and regulatory policy framework with coordinated actions from state and central governments to mitigate risks, prevent illegal mining, and hold leaseholders accountable. A robust policy overhaul is imperative to align minor mineral extraction with national safety, sustainability, and development goals.