India has allowed limestone mining leaseholders to freely sell the mineral to cement and other industries, aiming to boost rural incomes and accelerate expansion of cement manufacturing capacity.

The Ministry of Mines has now classified limestone as a major mineral by removing end-use restrictions that previously distinguished it as either a major or minor mineral. The government said the move will promote ease of doing business, allowing leaseholders to sell or utilise limestone for any purpose.

The decision follows recommendations from an Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Mines & Minerals sector, chaired by a NITI Aayog member, after consultations with various stakeholders. The Ministry noted that the use of limestone in lime-making has declined over the years, with most production

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