Lok Sabha on 3 March 2015 passed Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015 to replace ordinance promulgated in this regard. The bill amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 in order to regulate the mining sector in the country.

The draft policy on scientific mining released by the State Planning Board proposes to encourage geomapping of mineral resources in the state and minimising of environmental damage. The new Scientific Mining Policy describes itself as a three legged stool.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2015 was introduced in Lok Sabha on February 24, 2015.  The Bill amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.  The Bill replaces the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Ordinance, 2015 promulgated on January 12, 2015.

Natural resources such as land, timber, water as well as extractive resources have played an important role in igniting and prolonging conflict - particularly in fragile states where management and oversight of such resources is often weak.