The Ministry of Mines on February 20, 2024, issued the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession (Second Amendment) Rules, 2024, to further amend the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016.

Ministry of Mines has issued a notification dated 21st January 2024, amending the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

The Ministry of Mines has introduced significant amendments through the Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Amendment Rules, 2024. These changes, effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, aim to enhance regulations under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

Ministry of Mines, through a notification dated January 21, 2024, has introduced amendments to the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017.

The centre has notified changes to the Mineral auction rules which cap the upfront payment at Rs 500 crore while also baring affiliates from bidding for the same block. Bids placed by affiliates of companies who have explored a block being auctioned will be made public to ensure a level playing field for other bidders.

While the state government is preparing for the third round of iron ore mineral blocks, the Union mines ministry has tightened the Mineral Auction Rules, 2015 to make it compulsory for states to inform to the Centre within the next 45 days on mines that are ready for auctioning.

President has given assent to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2023. With this, the Central government is empowered to auction mines and ramp up production of 26 critical minerals in India.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 was taken up for consideration and passed by the Lok Sabha on on 28.7.2023. This bill proposes to empower the Central government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite licence for 26 critical minerals in the country.

The Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2023 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on July 26, 2023. The Bill proposes to omit at least six previously mentioned atomic minerals from a list of 12 which cannot be commercially mined.

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.

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