The Mines and Mineral s Development and Regulation act 1957 provides for the development and regulation of mines and minerals in the country, Section 9B(1) of the act mandates the state government for establishing District mineral foundation trust in mine affected districts for working in the interest of people and areas affected by mining related operations.

The state Government vide G.O.Ms.No.57, Industries (MMD.1) dated 19.05.2017 has created The Tamil Nadu District Mineral Foundation Rules, 2017.

The District Collector Vide proccedings Rc.No.366/Mines/2017, dated: 05.04.2018 has created the District Mineral Foundation Trust, Tiruvannamalai and constituted the Governing Council and management committee of the district mineral foundation trust.

The central government in exercise of powers conferred under section 20A of the MMDR act 1957 has provided with the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) for improving the impacts and effectiveness of projects undertaken and widening the scope of the DMFTs.

The object of DMF is to work for the interest and benefit of persons, and areas affected by mining related operations by implementing various developmental and welfare projects/programs in mining affected areas by complementing the existing ongoing schemes/projects of State and Central Government in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in mining affected areas and to minimize/mitigate the adverse impacts, during and after mining, on the environment, health and socio-economics of people in mining districts and to ensure long-term sustainable livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas.

Tiruvannamalai District is located in the northern part of Tamin Nadu. The District is bounded by Kanchipuram, Ranipet and Vellore Districts in the North, Viluppuram district in the East, Kallakurichi district in the South and Dharmapuri, Tirupattur district in the west. The Jawadhu Hills of Eastern Ghat Mountain range covers the western part of the Tiruvannmalai District. River Cheyyar takes its origin in the eastern slopes of Jawadhu Hills and Western slopes of Thenmalai Hills in the district. Uppanatham dam was constructed across Cheyyar river near Kuppanatham Village his dam benefits Thiruvannamalai District. Polur and Chengam Taluks are benefited by this dam. Sathanur Dam was built in which forms the Sathanur reservoir, is one of the major dams in Tamil Nadu. It is constructed across the Thenpennai River also called as Pennaiyar River in Thandarampet taluk The dam has an effective storage capacity of 7,321,000,000 cu ft (207,300,000 m3) with a full level of 119 ft (36 m).

Important Aspect Of The District

Annamalaiyar Temple

The Annamalaiyar Temple makes Thiruvannamalai city the District Headquartes a sought-after spiritual tourism destination. Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of a lingam, is believed to be present as Agni while Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Unnamulaiyamman. Spread over 10 hectares, Arunachaleshwar is one of the largest temples in India and has the tallest gopuram in the country, standing at 66 metres. A monthly ritual on all full moon days is held at the temple where lakhs gather at Thiruvannamalai for a 14-km-long holy walk around the temple.

Parvathamalai

Another significant site is Parvathamalai, located near Thenmathimangalam village, about 20 kilometres from Polur. The hill is home to the Lord Mallikarjunaswamy temple, which is believed to be 2000 years old This hill is known as Thenkailayam and workshipped by many saints. The temple is a boon for mountain treckkers. The other significance of this Parvathamalai hill is that it is rich in herbal plants.

Arani Silk Saree

The world famous Arani Silk Saree is the outcome of thriving weaving industry here.

Cheyyar Industrial Park

Industrial Park in Cheyyar hosts manufacturing units of major players across sectors. Spanning an impressive 2936.57 acres is catering primarily to footwear and general industries, it has attracted around 27 pioneering industrial units, establishing itself as a hub for industrial innovation and growth.

Geologically Tiruvannamalai District mainly comprises of rocks of Archaeon age. The type of rocks found in the district are Charnockite, Granitic gneiss, Epidote Hornblende Gneiss, Amphibolite, Pyroxenite, Dunite, Migmatites, Banded Magnetite Quartzite, Shale and Clay. Dolerite dykes (Black Granite) are also noticed cutting across the country rocks.