Tamil Nadu Minister for Natural Resources T K Prabu said more than 60 quarries, which were found operating in violation of state regulation have been temporarily closed.

In a press release here, he said authorities have seized 469 vehicles that were transporting minerals without permission, and detected illegal mineral extraction at 78 locations. "Legal action is being taken in accordance with rules", he added.

Pointing out that more than 2,000 quarries across Tamil Nadu operate under valid permits issued by the mining department, he said numerous complaints have alleged that many quarries extract rock in excess of the limits authorised by the government." The release on Friday said the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) has issued various regulations specifying permissible extraction volumes for quarries and there are reports that these rules have been violated in many places.

Concerns were raised that the monitoring team known as Safety Mines has not been properly overseeing quarry operations.

Acting on the minister’s directive, inspections were conducted in quarries in Tenkasi, Kanyakumari, Virudhunagar and Madurai districts, and those found violating regulations were ordered temporarily closed. Over the past week, mining officials across the State carried out intensive inspections.

Of 431 quarries inspected, violations were detected at 155 sites, operations at 67 quarries were temporarily halted and fines imposed under the law. Further action is being taken to suspend operations at an additional 88 quarries.

During vehicle checks, 469 vehicles found to be transporting minerals illegally were seized; both fines and criminal proceedings are being pursued under the law.

Published on May 30, 2026