Limestone Classified as Major Mineral

The Union Ministry of Mines has issued a notification classifying limestone entirely as a major mineral, removing its previous dual classification that depended on end use.

Earlier Classification

Previously, limestone was treated as both a major and minor mineral based on its intended use:

• Minor mineral: When used in kilns for the manufacture of lime for building material.
• Major mineral: When used for industrial purposes such as cement, chemicals, sugar, fertilizer, and steel production.

New Classification and Impact

With the latest notification, all forms of limestone will now be treated as a major mineral.

• This move eliminates end-use restrictions and the artificial regulatory distinction between major and minor minerals.
• The change is expected to promote ease of doing business, allowing lease holders to sell or utilize limestone for any purpose without regulatory constraints.

Recent Related Changes

Earlier, through a gazette notification dated February 20, 2025, the Ministry had reclassified Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz from minor to major minerals.

Background: Minor and Major Minerals

Under Section 3(e) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the Central Government has the authority to declare certain minerals as minor.

• Minor minerals include building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, and sand, among others.
• Their regulation and data collection are managed by State Governments through Minor Mineral Concession Rules.
• Statistics on minor minerals are generally limited to their value, and these minerals do not fall under the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR).