In exercise of the powers conferred by section 13 of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957 (67 of 1957), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely: These rules may be called the Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, 2015. They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. These rules shall apply to all minerals except - petroleum and natural gas; coal, lignite and sand for stowing; minerals listed in Part B of the First Schedule to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (67 of 1957); and minor minerals.