New Delhi The central government may consider tweaking the proposed Mines and Mineral Development and Regulation (MMDR) Bill, 2011, to retain its control in allocation of mineral concessions.

The existing MMDR Act, 1957, makes the Centre’s approval a must for grant of mineral concessions for most of the minerals, including iron ore, manganese and chrome. However, the MMDR Bill proposes to devolve full powers of extension, grant of mineral concession to the state governments. The states would not require any prior approval from the central government to grant a mining lease to be allocated mainly through the competitive bidding route.