Maharashtra Govt to Simplify Laterite Stone Mining Rules and Permits
Maharashtra Minister of State for Revenue Yogesh Kadam has directed officials to take necessary measures to simplify and speed up regulations and permission procedures for the laterite stone mining industry, keeping local conditions in mind. The directive was issued during a review meeting held at Mantralaya in Mumbai.
Kadam stated that the industry should not face avoidable administrative delays and called for the establishment of a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly system to facilitate mining operations across the state.
The meeting at Mantralaya brought together senior administrative officials and industry representatives to address operational issues faced by the laterite stone mining sector. Attendees included Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department Vikas Kharage, Deputy Secretary Umesh Rathod, and Laterite Stone Mining Industry Association President Shashikant Dongre alongside other office-bearers. Konkan Divisional Commissioner Rubal Agarwal participated in the discussions via video conference.
During the meeting, Kadam emphasized the state government's commitment to supporting the sector, pointing to its ability to generate local employment and drive economic activity. He urged authorities to adopt a constructive approach toward streamlining administrative procedures and rules wherever necessary.
Because laterite stone is classified as a minor mineral, the minister instructed departments to thoroughly review and simplify the specific framework governing its extraction. Officials evaluated several regulatory aspects, including the duration and fee structures for mining permits, application protocols, the powers assigned to competent authorities, and strict timelines for granting and renewing licences. Discussions also covered land and mineral rights, excavation permissions, and transportation regulations for extracted materials.
The meeting was informed that proposals and recommendations submitted by the district collectors of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg had already undergone examination at the divisional level. Following these submissions, Kadam instructed the concerned departments to execute further necessary steps.
Kadam underlined the need for a transparent and time-bound permission framework to ensure legitimate mining operations can proceed smoothly. The procedural reforms are expected to provide operational clarity to industry operators while boosting local businesses and employment across the Konkan region.
