Limestone Classified as a Major Mineral:
The Ministry of Mines has issued a notification, classifying limestone entirely as a major mineral, removing its dual classification as both a major and minor mineral.Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), widely used in cement, steel, fertilizer, sugar, and chemical industries. It is also an important building and industrial raw material with high commercial significance.Earlier, limestone was classified based on end use minor when used for lime production in building material and major when used for industrial purposes. The new notification (October 2025) removes this end-use distinction, treating all limestone uniformly as a major mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
