JOIN USIndia is a treasure trove of natural stones and the time has come to establish a mineral zone where natural resources are available without restrictions in order to support the natural stone industry in the country, said J B Surana, President, All India Granites & Stone Association on Thursday.
He was speaking at a press conference to announce STONA 2014, 11th international granites and stone fair, scheduled to be held in Bangalore from February 12-15, 2014.
The mineral zone should be free of interference from departments like, revenue, forest, environment and others, Surana said.
While agricultural activity, development of roads, and commercial activities like hotels are permitted around forest areas, it is also desirable that quarrying is permitted in these areas without restrictions, Surana added.
STONA 2014 will focus on a wide range of stone products from various parts of the country. Products derived from granite, marble, slate, quartzite and other minerals will be exhibited. Exhibitors from various parts of the country and abroad will participate in the event. The latest mining and processing machines, and tools are expected to be exhibited in the event.
The fair with around 600 exhibitors will see representation from China, Turkey and Italy, not to mention Vietnam, Spain, Russia, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
India tops in natural stone production globally with 32,342 million tonnes followed by China with 31,000 million tonnes. China is the leading finished goods exporter followed by Brazil and Italy supported by their respective liberal export policies.