Assessing the Economic Significance and Environmental Consequences of Quarrying: An In-Depth Case Study of Hlimen Village

Quarrying is a longstanding human activity vital for procuring construction materials such as dimension stones and aggregates, yet it produces considerable environmental and social consequences. This study investigates the economic significance of quarrying and its environmental impact in Hlimen, Mizoram—a region notable for its compact and hard stones. Utilizing both primary and secondary data collected via surveys, interviews, and field observations of 100 households, the research highlights quarrying’s contribution to local infrastructure, employment, and household incomes. However, the analysis reveals pervasive negative impacts: habitat loss, dust and noise pollution, land degradation, hydrological disruption, and increased health complications among workers and residents. Social consequences include upsurges in migration, crime, and conflict over land use between agriculture and mining. Positive economic outcomes are primarily seen in increased business opportunities, land value, and transport services. The study recommends implementing robust rehabilitation, landscape management, and protective regulations to mitigate adverse effects and promote sustainable livelihoods. Sustained quarrying offers tangible economic benefits but the health and ecological costs necessitate comprehensive intervention and collaborative stakeholder planning.