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. Lithium, cobalt, and graphite output may get a fillip as the centre hopes to speedily conduct bids for these minerals. “Even in case of conduct of auction by the central government, the mineral concession shall be granted to the selected bidders by the state government only and the auction premium and other statutory payments shall accrue to the state government,” Union Mines Minister had said while introducing the bill in Lok Sabha.