Karnataka mineral policy 2008 approved by the state cabinet recently.This new policy has 13 major objectives, including progressive features such as adoption of modern techniques in mining, transparency in granting mineral licences and emphasis on value addition.

Karnataka state has the distinction of being one among very few states in the country to formulate a forward looking mineral policy in the year 2000 itself. This policy included progressive features like adoption of modern techniques in mining, transparency in granting mineral concessions, emphasis on value addition etc. With the ushering in of the regime of economic reforms and opening up various sectors including mining sector, Karnataka state has achieved significant strides in various economic indicators. Mineral development as it exists now, marketing trends, encouraging future prospects and mounting demand for mineral based raw materials call for a review of mineral policy in the state. State Government has embarked on formulating the policy to ensure that mineral resources not only sustain this as a stand alone industry but also provide fillip for further expansion of value addition needs.