PRESS RELEASE As per the directions of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Hon'ble Minister for Natural Resources Dr. T.K. Prabhu reviews various works of the Geology and Mining Department, their progress, and the performance of district officials As per the directions of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the Hon'ble Minister for Natural Resources Dr. T.K. Prabhu today (12.06.2026) held a review at the Directorate of Geology and Mining, Chennai, regarding the various works of the Geology and Mining Department, their progress, and the performance of district officials. During the review, various targets of the Geology and Mining Department were discussed. In particular, discussions covered quarrying and crushing operations underway in the districts, the licensing process and its simplification, minerals obtained from the districts, the revenue accruing to the Government from these minerals, and the potential to increase such revenue. The review also covered illegal stone quarrying activities, the transport of minerals without proper permits, and the measures being taken to prevent such activities. Discussions also covered the processing of applications for gravel and earth extraction required for national highway works, and the fee-free extraction of silt and clay from tanks and ponds by farmers and potters for their own personal use. During the review, the Minister directed district officials to focus greater attention on preventing illegal stone quarrying and mining operations and the transport of minerals in vehicles without proper permits, even while increasing revenue to the Government through this sector. He also directed that all legitimate requests from licence holders conducting quarrying and crushing operations lawfully and in compliance with statutory rules be addressed promptly. During the review, the Minister also heard the field-level challenges faced by district officials and their administrative requests, and stated that these would be examined and all necessary steps taken to resolve them immediately. The review meeting was attended by Director of Geology and Mining Thiru T. Mohan, IAS, senior officials of the Geology and Mining Department, and district officials. Issued by: Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9