Mines and Geology Minister SS Mallikarjun says demand for granite in countries like China, Italy, Taiwan and others has declined since last five years due to COVID-19 and later due to war between Russia and Ukraine. | Photo Credit: Photo File
Exports of black granite from Chamarajanagar have declined by around 10-15%, according to Mines and Geology Minister SS Mallikarjun.
Responding to a question by K. Shivakumar in the Legislative Council recently, Mr. Mallikarjun said that countries like China, Italy, Taiwan and others have seen a decline in demand for granite since the last five years due to COVID-19 and later due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
While 58,354 tonnes of black granite or black ornamental stone were exported in 2021-22, this amount increased to 75,225 tonnes in 2022-23. Subsequently, it was 45,903 tonnes for 2023–24, 60,836 tonnes for 2024–25 and 52,885 tonnes (by February 2026) for 2025–26.
He said the state government was losing around ₹ 2 to ₹ 3 crore in royalties every year due to the decline in granite exports.
Although no major mineral mining licenses have been granted in Chamarajanagar district, the government has granted about 183 leases/licenses for minor minerals like black granite, building stone and sand over an area of 455 acres.
In addition, 75 black granite work permits have been issued on an area of 211.17 acres under the orders of the Supreme Court and the Supreme Court.
A total of 32 cases of illegal mining of minor minerals have been identified during the last three years, of which six cases have been registered and a fine of ₹49.69 crore has been collected under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 and the Karnataka Mineral Concessions Rules, 1994.
Published – 20 March 2026 21:03 IST
