Tamil Nadu, which has long been delaying setting up the District Mineral Foundation, has finally notified the institution and has framed the rules to govern the body. The DMF would ensure that a part of the royalty received by the Central and State governments is earmarked for developing areas affected by mining activities. The notification of the foundation would help in various development works in districts across the State. In Tamil Nadu, except Chennai and the Nilgiris, minerals are mined in all other districts. Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts are mineral-intensive and these areas have witnessed heavy mining of various minerals over the years. The DMF would ensure that sufficient funds would be earmarked for the development of these districts.