Transitioning towards a clean energy future is a mainstay of the global efforts to achieve the Paris Agreement’s climate goals.

This Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (C&AG) contains significant findings of Performance Audit on “Illegal Mining in Rajasthan” of Mines and Geology Department of State Government. Rajasthan has the highest number of mining leases in the country.

The Ministry of Mines on February 09, 2023 was notified regarding seeking comments/suggestions on the Amendment of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002. The Ministry of Mines has prepared a draft of the amendments proposed in the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2022 (OAMDR Act).

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the transition away from fossil fuels is having a major impact on the minerals industry. Metals used in electrification, renewable energy generation, electric mobility and new forms of energy storage have become critical to these expanding low and no carbon industries.

This issue brief outlines the contours of a sourcing strategy for India to secure access to critical non-fuel minerals for either sectoral or economy-wide requirements, using the case study of the indigenisation of battery energy storage manufacturing to illustrate various facets.

In a bid to enhance the ease of doing business, the Coal Ministry wants to amend the rate of interest charged on late payment of rent and royalty from coal mines. The Ministry reviewed penal provisions in Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 (MCR) to identify violations which could be decriminalised and those for which the penalty can be reduced.

The Mining and Geological Department of Meghalaya on March 24, 2022 has issued the Meghalaya Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2022.

The Ministry of Mines on February 18, 2022 has issued the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2022 to further amend the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015. This shall come to force on February 18, 2022.

The Ministry of Mines has notified the Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Second Amendment Rules, 2021 to amend the Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, 2015. The amendment rules have been framed after extensive consultations with the State Governments, industry associations, miners, other stakeholders and general public.

The Ministry of Mines on December 14, 2021 has issued the Mineral (Auction) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2021 to further amend the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015.