Why in News?
Beach Sand Minerals (BSM) have recently gained strategic importance in India due to new policy shifts aimed at achieving self-reliance in critical minerals and reducing dependence on global supply chains.
About
- Establishment of Rare Earth Corridors: In the Union Budget 2026, the government announced the creation of dedicated Rare Earth Corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to promote the mining, processing, and manufacturing of these minerals.
- Strategic Push in Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh, which holds about 25% of India's BSM deposits, has launched a major initiative to tap into titanium and rare earth elements to counter international market dominance.
- New Regulatory Framework: The Offshore Areas Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining and Transportation) Rules, 2026 came into force in February 2026. These rules mandate real-time vessel tracking and digital permits to curb illegal extraction.
- Private Sector Engagement: Recent discussions and amendments (like the MMDR Amendment Act 2023) are opening pathways for private participation in the exploration of critical minerals previously restricted to government entities.
Key Information
- The Seven Minerals: BSM refers to a group of seven heavy minerals: Ilmenite, Rutile, Leucoxene, Zircon, Sillimanite, Garnet, and Monazite.
- Atomic Importance: Minerals like Monazite are classified as "atomic minerals" because they contain thorium and uranium. Consequently, their mining is strictly regulated by the Department of Atomic Energy.
- Industrial Applications:
- Titanium: Extracted from Ilmenite and Rutile; used in aerospace, medical implants, and pigments.
- Zircon: Used in ceramics, refractories, and jewellery.
- Garnet: Used as an abrasive for water-jet cutting and sandblasting.
- Sillimanite: Essential for high-temperature glass and ceramic manufacturing.
- Resource Distribution: India possesses the world's third-largest reserves of BSM (roughly 13%). Major deposits are found along the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- Environmental Concerns: Unregulated mining causes severe coastal erosion, destroys local fisheries, and threatens wildlife habitats, such as nesting grounds for turtles.
- Market Regulation: To prevent illegal exports, all BSM exports must be canalized through IREL (India) Limited.
Download Pdf
