The length of the coastline of Gulf of Mannar is 223.90 kms which constitutes to about 21% of the state coastline of over 1000 kms. Some people are under an impression that the fishing activities and development of fisheries are affected by the heavy mineral mining of beach sand minerals in the coast of Tuticorin, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu.
However, this is not true. In fact, it is the other way round; by conducting heavy mineral mining activity it leads to the development of the local villages. By way of providing alternate employment, the standard of living of the fishermen and their families is upgraded due to additional income of the family and also leisure time could be spent effectively.
Fishing is a seasonal profession which lasts for about 5 months in a year from September to January. The rest of the time 7 months the fisherman are jobless; there is no other way for lucrative employment in the coastal areas. Garnet mineral is abundantly found on the Gulf of Mannar, hence, Garnet mining and processing industries provide ample job opportunities for the fishermen and their family round the year. This has led to betterment of living conditions and also improved the overall health and lifestyle of the local people.
The leading company that indulges in heavy mineral mining in Tuticorin is VV Mineral, India. They are India’s biggest mining, manufacturers and exporters of Garnet.
They have been awarded as the ‘Number One Garnet Exporters’ of our country. They also undertake Zircon mining, Rutile mining and Ilmenite mining.
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