UPSC 2019: With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements: 1. Sand is a 'minor mineral' according to the prevailing law in the country. 2. State Governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government. 3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Under Section 3(e) of the Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 ordinary sand is classified as a ‘minor mineral’ ⇒ Statement 1 correct. Section 15 gives State Governments (not the Centre) the power to frame rules for grant of concessions in respect of minor minerals, so Statement 2 is wrong. Section 23C further empowers States to make rules to curb illegal mining, so Statement 3 is correct. Thus only 1 and 3 are right. ([scribd.com](https://www.scribd.com/document/830945177/Sand-Mining-Judgment?utm_source=openai))