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.

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.

Ministry of Mines has notified the Mineral Conservation and Development (Amendment) Rules, 2021 on 3rd November, 2021 to amend the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 [MCDR].

Ministry of Mines has notified the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Mineral) Concession (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2021 to amend The Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Mineral) Concession Rules, 2016 [MCR, 2016].

The Ministry of Mines On November 02, 2021 has issued the Mineral (Auction) Third Amendment Rules, 2021 to further amend the Mineral (Auction) rules 2015.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 regulates the mining sector in India and mandates the requirement for granting leases for mining operations. Prior to 2015, grant of mineral resources was through ‘first come first serve’ method.