### Plea to Resume Legal Mining in Aravalli

Udaipur – The Indian Soapstone Producers Association has filed an Interlocutory Application in the Supreme Court challenging the Rajasthan Government's blanket ban on all mining activities in the Aravalli region. The Association has argued that even legally extended mining leases with all valid approvals have been forcibly shut down, putting thousands of workers’ livelihoods at risk and jeopardizing industrial stability in the state.

Appealing directly to the Chief Minister and the Minister of Mines, the Association has urged immediate intervention and demanded that the state government present a strong and clear stance before the Supreme Court in favor of uninterrupted operations of legally approved mining leases.

According to the Association, the Forest Survey of India has reported that out of the total 40,000 sq. km area of Aravalli in Rajasthan, only 925 sq. km (just 2.31%) falls under mining leases. Most of this is non-forest land where mining activities are conducted legally with all required environmental clearances. Imposing a complete ban on mining under the guise of environmental protection, they say, goes against the very principle of sustainable development.

The Association also raised concerns over the Rajasthan Government's unilateral interpretation of the Supreme Court’s May 9, 2024 order in the M.C. Mehta vs Union of India case. While Paragraph 14 of the order clearly states that legal mining activities shall not be restricted, the government has misinterpreted Paragraph 13 to halt even valid operations — which, according to the Association, is both unlawful and unjust.

Accusing the government of discriminatory practices, the Association highlighted that certain influential miners were allowed to continue operations, while others in identical legal situations were arbitrarily stopped. Such actions, they warn, undermine constitutional equality and shake investor confidence in the state’s mineral policy.

The Association, which represents over 110 mining and mineral processing units across Rajasthan since 1983, noted that more than 40 of its members are engaged in mining of industrial minerals like soapstone, dolomite, calcite, and china clay. These operations directly or indirectly provide employment to 5,000 to 10,000 people, particularly in tribal and rural areas.

They emphasized that this is not just a legal petition, but a fight for economic justice, employment dignity, and the reputation of Rajasthan’s industrial policy. The Association has expressed hope that the Chief Minister will intervene to ensure fair treatment and justice for lawful mining entrepreneurs.