The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) on September 11, 2025, issued the Guidelines for Silica Sand Mining and Washing plants
The following has been stated: -
•The NGT, through its order dated November 29, 2024, in O.A. No. 203/2021, directed CPCB to frame and circulate detailed guidelines within three months for regulating silica sand mining and washing plants under the Water Act, Air Act, and EP Act.
•Silica sand (SiO₂) is derived from quartz, sandstone, and quartzite, with major deposits in states like Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, particularly in the Shankargarh area of Prayagraj.
•It is widely used in glass production, foundry, ceramics, abrasives, and building materials. Industrial silica sand is of higher value than regular construction sand due to its specific grain size and purity.
•Its beneficiation involves four steps—mining, crushing, washing, and drying—along with necessary management practices.
