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3.9 The production of Major and Minor Minerals in Kerala during 2013-14 is 282.08 lakh tonnes Industry and Labour
of which Minor Minerals contribute 94%. Among Major Minerals the maximum production is from
China Clay (9.05 lakh tonne) followed by Lime Stone (4.56 lakh tonne) and Bauxite/Laterite (1.91
lakh tonne). The royalty from Major and Minor Minerals during 2013-14 is ` 54.11 crore of which
` 41.72 crore is from Minor Minerals and 12.39 crore from Major Minerals. The maximum royalty
is from Granite Building Stone (`22.36 crore) followed by ordinary earth (` 9.65 crore) and laterite
(` 4.13 crore). The production of various Major and Minor Minerals in the State during 2013-14 and
the royalty are given in Appendix 3.3

3.10 District wise analysis of revenue collection shows that Ernakulam district has the highest
collection of `8.69 crore (16% of total revenue) followed by Palakkad ` 5.68 crore (10%) and Kollam
` 5.51 crore. The least revenue collection of `1.33 crore is from Idukki (2%). The district wise
collection of revenue from major and minor minerals is furnished in Appendix 3.4.

Box No: 3.1
Major issues in Mining in Kerala

• Unscientific clay mining causes depletion of underground water, drying up of drinking water
sources and scarcity of potable water.

• Continued and unscientific clay mining also forms pits of different dimensions which lead to
land stability problems in the adjoining areas, surface water contamination, removal of top
fertile soil affecting agricultural activity and also respiratory and skin problems to residents
due to dust.

• Indiscriminate sand mining in major rivers has dried up the tributaries of the rivers, set
back agriculture activities and water transport, dropped down underground water table and
caused acute drinking water shortage. The devastation of the network of tributaries and
distributaries has resulted in destruction of flood control mechanism.

• Mineral Beach Sand Mining spoils the means of livelihood for fishermen, distorts the
habitations in the most populated area in the country, causes coast and beach erosion,
salination of ground water, increased radiation, land contamination, and also impacts on a
number of rare species of birds, fishes, crabs, frogs, snakes etc.

• Indiscriminate granite quarrying flattens the hills, generates cancerous dust, depletes water
table, and also heavy truck traffic from quarries destruct village roads and creating pollution
along the way they carry load.

• A careful balance is therefore required between mining for economic growth and
environmental considerations.

Box No: 3.2
State Mining Policy- An initiative by State Planning Board

State Planning Board has constituted an Expert Committee to identify the mineral zones of the
state, map them and develop them in a systematic manner. A workshop on Scientific Mining
Policy and Critical Minerals in Kerala was conducted in association with Kerala State Council
for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE). In the light of discussion held in the
workshop, State Planning Board has identified KSCSTE as the appropriate organization to
associate with State Planning Board in drafting the policy. The preparation of draft Scientific
Mining Policy for the state is in the final stage.

Economic Review 2014