The Ministry of Mines is responsible for survey and exploration of all minerals, (other than natural gas and petroleum) for mining and metallurgy of non-ferrous metals like aluminium, copper, zinc, lead, gold, nickel etc. and for administration of the Mines and Minerals ( Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) in respect of all mines and minerals other than coal and lignite. The Department of Coal administers the MMDR Act for Coal and Lignite. By definition, the MMDR Act does not extend to petroleum and natural gas.