Are There No Black Trap Quarries in Bhemal? 76 Mining Leases Active: Gujarat Minister
Synopsis
Discover the latest updates from Gujarat as Energy and Petrochemicals Minister Rushikesh Patel clarifies the status of black trap quarries in Bhemal. With 76 mining leases active, learn about the mineral extraction landscape and its implications for local infrastructure development.
Key Takeaways
No black trap quarries exist in Bhemal.
76 out of 107 mining leases are currently operational.
31 leases were closed due to various compliance issues.
Black trap and building stone are categorized separately.
Strict monitoring is enforced for mineral extraction.
Gandhinagar, Feb 17 (NationPress) The Energy and Petrochemicals Minister Rushikesh Patel addressed the Gujarat Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, confirming that there are no black trap quarries located in Bhemal and its neighboring rural regions within the Danta taluka of Banaskantha district.
He elaborated that while the area possesses numerous building stone and granite leases, it does not feature any quarries for black trap minerals.
Among the 107 mining leases in the rural districts, 76 are currently operational, with 31 closed under the Any Time Royalty (ATR) system.
Focusing specifically on Danta taluka, there are two active granite leases and 74 building stone leases, totaling 76 operational leases.
Regarding the closure of some leases, Patel noted, "One granite lease was suspended for failing to submit the necessary mining plan. Five building stone leases were closed due to outstanding payments. Of the building stone leases, two are near the Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, 16 did not provide state-level Environmental Clearance (EC), six failed to submit any EC, and one had its EC rejected, leading to a total of 31 closed leases."
The Minister also differentiated between black trap and building stone.
"Black trap is a type of basalt that forms when lava from the Earth's mantle cools, appearing dark black or grey, and is known for its extreme hardness and compactness, making it resilient to high pressure. Although its use as direct stone is limited, when crushed into aggregate, it is widely utilized in construction," he explained.
Uses include reinforced concrete for slabs, beams, and columns; road construction for base and surface layers; railway ballast; and large-scale infrastructure projects like dams, bridges, and ports.
In contrast, building stone comprises natural rocks employed in construction, including for homes, roads, and various structures.
These stones are categorized distinctly under Gujarat’s minor mineral concession regulations for better administrative clarity, based on their geological characteristics and applications.
Minister Patel stressed that the leases in the region are under strict supervision, and administrative actions, including ATR closures and compliance with EC, are implemented to guarantee lawful and sustainable mineral extraction in Bhemal and its vicinity.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the clarity provided by Minister Patel regarding the mining leases in Bhemal. The distinction between black trap and building stone is essential for understanding the regulations governing mineral extraction in Gujarat.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are black trap quarries?
Black trap quarries refer to mining sites that extract black trap minerals, a type of basalt used primarily in construction.
How many mining leases are operational in Bhemal?
Currently, there are 76 operational mining leases in the Bhemal area.
Why were some leases closed?
Some leases were closed due to non-compliance with environmental regulations and failure to pay dues.
What is the difference between black trap and building stone?
Black trap is a type of basalt, while building stone consists of natural rocks used in construction.
How are mining leases monitored in Gujarat?
Mining leases are strictly monitored to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and sustainable practices.
