Rajasthan’s Mineral Policy has evolved from basic post-independence regulation in 1948 to the technologically driven Rajasthan Mineral Policy 2024. The state’s framework transitioned from focusing on early industrialization and state-led extraction (1994) to prioritizing transparency via e-auctions (2015), and finally to modernizing with AI mapping and zero-waste mining.
The state’s mineral policies have continuously adapted to meet economic and developmental goals:
Key Milestones in Rajasthan’s Mineral History:
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- Pre-1990s (Early Framework): The Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act of 1948 established the foundation for state mining. Early bodies like Rajasthan State Mines and Minerals Limited (RSMML) were formed to standardize extraction and support the country’s industrial needs.
- Rajasthan Mineral Policy, 1994: This marked the state’s early move to formalize and boost private sector participation. It focused heavily on revenue growth, resource efficiency, and value addition while simplifying administrative procedures.
- Rajasthan Mineral Policy, 2011: Aimed at shifting focus toward sustainable, eco-friendly, and zero-waste mining. It introduced modern exploration techniques, stronger health and safety guidelines for mine workers, and measures to curb illegal mining.
- Rajasthan Mineral Policy, 2015: This policy was a major turning point, driven by the Central Government’s push for a transparent auction regime. It modernized the concession allocation process through e-auctions, dramatically increasing the state’s revenue.
Rajasthan Mineral Policy, 2024:
The latest evolution aligns with the National Mineral Policy and focuses on aggressive economic growth and the exploration of critical and strategic minerals (like lithium, potash, and rare earth elements). Today, the Rajasthan Mineral Policy 2024 aims to expand the mining sector’s contribution to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and generate millions of direct and indirect jobs. Detailed historical and operational guidelines are publicly accessible via the Department of Mines & Geology portal.
Rajasthan’s M – Sand Policy history highlights the state’s transition from traditional riverbed sand (Bajri) to eco-friendly Manufactured Sand. Triggered by a 2017 Supreme Court ban on riverbed mining, the government rolled out a pioneering policy to protect river ecosystems while sustaining the booming construction and infrastructure industries.
Key Milestones and Timeline:
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- 2020 (The Initial Policy): The Rajasthan Government officially launched the first comprehensive M-Sand Policy on January 25, 2021. It gave M-Sand units official “Industry” status, making manufacturers eligible for state subsidies and tax benefits under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS). It also mandated that at least 25% of all government construction projects use M-Sand.
- 2024 (The Expanded Policy): The government introduced a significantly upgraded policy to address supply gaps and increase total state production to 30 million tonnes annually. The updated policy features major incentives, including a 50% quota for M-Sand usage in state-funded projects and deep electricity and stamp duty waivers for manufacturers.