With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements :

Correct Option

• Statement 1: The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) classifies certain minerals as 'minor minerals'. This category includes building stones, gravel, ordinary clay, ordinary sand, and other minerals that the Central Government may declare as minor minerals. Therefore, sand is indeed a minor mineral under the prevailing law.
• Statement 3: Section 15 of the MMDR Act, 1957, empowers State Governments to frame rules for regulating the grant of mining leases or other mineral concessions in respect of minor minerals, and for purposes connected therewith. This includes the power to frame rules for the prevention of illegal mining, transportation, and storage of minor minerals.

Incorrect Options

• Statement 2: Under the MMDR Act, 1957, the power to grant mining leases for minor minerals, as well as the power to frame rules for their regulation, including the grant of mining leases, royalty rates, and prevention of illegal mining, rests entirely with the State Governments. The Central Government's role is primarily related to major minerals and overall policy. Therefore, the assertion that rule-making powers for minor minerals lie with the Central Government is incorrect.