Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited is in advanced stages for getting environmental clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi for two granite mines, according to a senior government official. Final Environmental Impact Assessment reports for seven cases were uploaded in SEIAA portal and were awaiting grant of environmental clearance, the official said. Tamil Nadu Minerals has 48 leases for black granite to the extent of 750.905 hectares and 40 leases for colour granite to an extent of 642.665 hectares. According to a Supreme Court directive in 2016, all granite mines should be operated only after getting environmental clearances,” he added. Tamil Nadu has granted leases to 870 lessees for quarrying granite spread over an area of 3092.08 hectares.

Source: The Hindu July 17, 2019 19:54 UTC