Section 3 in Maharashtra Minor Mineral Extraction (Development and Regulation)Rules, 2013
3. Prospecting to precede mining operation.
(a)No lease shall be granted by the State Government unless it is satisfied that there is evidence to show that the area for which the lease is applied for has been prospected earlier for minor minerals or the existence of minor minerals therein has been established otherwise.(b)No mining lease shall be granted unless the District Mining Officer confirms the existence of minor mineral in the applied area. Mining lease shall be granted directly if the District Mining Officer reports that there is no need for prospecting for minor mineral in the area in question.
