The Kerala government has announced an expert audit of black sand (mineral sand) mining operations following concerns over their environmental impact. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan informed the Assembly that an expert committee will assess mining activities and recommend measures to ensure sustainable extraction.
The committee will examine where mineral sand mining can be carried out safely, evaluate its impact on environmentally sensitive regions, including Upper Kuttanad and the Thottappally spillway, and determine whether existing operations comply with environmental norms.
The government has also ordered a probe into alleged irregularities involving Central and state public sector undertakings engaged in mineral sand mining. The move comes amid increasing public and political scrutiny over mining practices and their long-term ecological consequences.
Officials said the audit is intended to balance mineral resource development with environmental protection, ensuring that future mining activities are guided by scientific assessment, transparency and sustainability.
