Tamil Nadu to Introduce QR-Code Permits to Curb Illegal Mineral Extraction and Transport
Chennai, September 24, 2026: The Tamil Nadu government is set to introduce QR-code-enabled electronic permits and transit passes for the transportation of minerals as part of efforts to curb illegal extraction and unauthorised movement of sand and other minerals.
The Natural Resources Department plans to discontinue manual transit passes and shift to online permits generated through the Mineral Management System (Mimas) portal. The initiative is aimed at creating an end-to-end digital system for monitoring mining and mineral transportation.
QR codes to track mineral movement
The new permits will carry QR codes that can be scanned to verify details such as the quantity of minerals being transported and their source quarry. The system is also expected to help authorities monitor government revenue and GST collections linked to mineral transactions.
The government also plans to integrate weighbridges at quarries with the Mimas portal. This is intended to ensure that the quantity loaded onto vehicles corresponds with the authorised quantity and to prevent overloading or transportation beyond permitted limits.
GPS tracking for mineral-carrying vehicles
As part of the broader digital monitoring system, mineral-carrying vehicles are required to install GPS devices and integrate them with the Mimas platform. The deadline for installation has been set for September 30, 2026, according to the government announcement.
The system builds on earlier efforts to introduce electronic permits and vehicle tracking for mineral transportation. A 2026 court record also noted that Tamil Nadu’s mineral-management framework includes online permits, weighbridge verification and GPS-based vehicle monitoring.
Aim to tackle illegal quarrying
The digital system is expected to give authorities greater visibility over the movement of minerals from quarries to their destinations. Officials will also be able to use the data to identify discrepancies between approved extraction quantities and actual transportation.
Natural Resources Minister D.K. Prabhu said the QR-code-based electronic permits and transit passes would be introduced soon. The government has said the broader objective is to regulate quarrying, improve monitoring and reduce illegal extraction and transportation.