India Stonemart concludes with focus on sustainable mining practices
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
Provides a contemporary example of how a primary industry (mining) must balance economic growth and technological advancement with environmental sustainability and workers\' social security. Useful for GS1 (resource distribution) and GS3 (environment, economy).
Summary
The four-day India Stonemart-2026 concluded in Jaipur, emphasizing the need for ecological balance, sustainable mining practices, and environmental protection in the stone sector. Organized by the Centre for Development of Stones, the event highlighted the future potential of digital cutting, robotic finishing, and sustainable stone architecture. Rajasthan, which accounts for 70% of India's stone mining and processing, was lauded for its production of marble, granite, and sandstone. Authorities stressed that alongside innovation and technological adoption, ensuring the social security of mining workers remains a paramount moral and policy responsibility.
Key Points
- The 13th edition of India Stonemart-2026 concluded in Jaipur, highlighting the importance of ecological balance and safe mining practices in the stone industry.
- Rajasthan accounts for 70% of India\'s stone mining and processing, being a leading producer of marble, granite, and sandstone.
- Technological advancements like digital cutting, robotic finishing, ultra-thin slabs, and sustainable stone architecture were identified as high-potential areas.
- Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagade emphasized that providing social security to mining workers is both a key policy issue and a moral responsibility of the industry.
Important Terms
Minor Minerals
Minerals like building stone, gravel, and marble defined under the MMDR Act, 1957. Regulatory powers for these are largely delegated to State Governments, unlike major minerals.
UPSC context
GS3 (Mineral Resources). Tests knowledge of federal resource management and legislative distinctions between major and minor minerals.
Sustainable Mining
A resource extraction approach that minimizes environmental degradation, ensures social equity, and follows the principle of intergenerational equity to preserve resources for future generations.
UPSC context
GS3 (Environment). Crucial for questions on balancing industrial growth with ecological conservation.
Centre for Development of Stones (CDOS)
An autonomous society established by the Government of Rajasthan and RIICO. It serves as a center of excellence for promoting India’s dimensional stone industry through trade and technology.
UPSC context
GS3 (Industrial Policy). Relevant to questions on institutional frameworks and regional clusters promoting specific industrial sectors.
India Stonemart
The largest biennial international exhibition in India’s stone sector, held in Jaipur. It showcases natural stones, technology, and promotes global business linkages for stakeholders.
UPSC context
GS3 (Economy). Highlights the role of sectoral trade fairs in boosting exports and attracting technology in the mineral sector.
Social Security
A set of policies ensuring income security and healthcare for workers. For mining, it includes protections under the Social Security Code 2020 like ESI and Provident Fund.
UPSC context
GS2 (Social Justice). Tests understanding of welfare mechanisms for laborers in hazardous industries and new Labour Codes.
Prelims Trap
The Central Government holds the power to regulate and grant mining leases for building stones like marble.
Marble, granite, and sandstone are 'minor minerals'. Under the MMDR Act, State Governments have the exclusive power to frame rules, regulate, and grant leases for minor minerals, not the Centre.
Static Concepts Connected
How are minor minerals governed under the MMDR Act?
- Central Notification: The Central Government is empowered to notify specific minerals as 'minor minerals'. These include building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, and sand.
- State Jurisdiction: State Governments hold the exclusive power to frame rules for granting mineral concessions, collecting royalty, and regulating minor mineral mining.
- DMF Applicability: Since 2015 amendments, District Mineral Foundations (DMF) must be established even in districts affected by minor mineral mining to ensure local welfare.
What is Silicosis and why is it a major occupational hazard?
- Pathology: It is an incurable, irreversible fibrotic lung disease caused by the prolonged inhalation of fine crystalline silica dust.
- Vulnerable Sectors: Workers in stone crushing, quartz mining, glass manufacturing, and construction are highly vulnerable to silica dust exposure.
- Governance Response: It is a notifiable disease under the Mines Act, 1952. States like Rajasthan have dedicated Silicosis Policies to provide systematic financial assistance and pensions.
Cross-Topic Patterns
DMF funds & occupational health linkages
PMKKKY mandates using District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds for the welfare of mining-affected areas, linking minor mineral revenues directly to health interventions like silicosis clinics and local social security.
Industry 4.0 in resource efficiency
Adopting robotic finishing and digital cutting in stone processing applies Industry 4.0 to traditional mining, reducing quarry waste, lowering emissions, and promoting sustainable green architecture.
Expect a multi-statement Prelims question testing minor mineral classification alongside the mandate of the District Mineral Foundation.
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2025MainsGS3
Mineral resources are fundamental to the country's economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.
- 2021MainsGS1
Despite India being one of the countries of the Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss.
