Gandhinagar, February 17: Gujarat’s Energy and Petrochemicals Minister Rishikesh Patel clarified in the state assembly on Tuesday that there are no black trap mines operating in the Bhimal area and surrounding villages of Danta taluka in Banaskantha district.
Patel stated that while there are several mining leases for stones and granite for construction purposes in the region, there is no separate mine for black minerals.
He reported that there are a total of 107 mining leases in the relevant rural areas, with 76 currently active. Meanwhile, 31 leases have been closed under the Anytime Royalty (ATR) system. Specifically, in Danta taluka, there are two granite and 74 building stone leases active, bringing the total number of active leases to 76.
The minister elaborated that one granite lease was suspended due to the non-submission of the required mining plan. Additionally, five building stone leases were closed due to unpaid royalties. Furthermore, two building stone leases are located within one kilometer of the Balram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary. Sixteen leaseholders failed to submit state-level environmental clearances (EC), while six did not even apply for EC, and one’s environmental clearance was rejected. These factors contributed to the closure of a total of 31 leases.
Patel also clarified the difference between black trap and building stones. He explained that black trap is a type of basalt formed from the natural cooling and solidification of lava from the Earth’s mantle. It is a very hard and dense stone, typically dark black or brown in color, capable of withstanding high pressure. Its direct use is limited, but it is widely used as aggregate in construction work.
He noted that aggregates made from black trap are utilized in reinforced concrete for slabs, beams, and columns, as well as in the base and surface layers of road construction, railway ballast, and heavy infrastructure projects like dams, bridges, and ports. In contrast, building stones used in construction are sourced from natural rocks and are employed in the construction of homes, roads, and other structures. For administrative clarity, these stones are classified under Gujarat’s Minor Mineral Concession Rules based on their geological composition and use.
Minister Rishikesh Patel emphasized that all mining leases in the region are closely monitored. The ATR system, compliance with environmental clearances, and other administrative measures ensure the legal and sustainable extraction of minerals in Bhimal and surrounding areas.
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