Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act

Why it matters

• Promotes private sector participation in the exploration of critical minerals essential for high-technology and green energy transitions.
• Streamlines the transition from reconnaissance to mining leases to reduce procedural bottlenecks in mineral extraction.
• Empowers the central government to auction mining rights for specific strategic minerals to ensure national resource security.
• Enhances transparency in the allocation of mineral concessions through competitive bidding mechanisms.

How it is asked

Focus on the shift from discretionary allocation to competitive auctions, the classification of critical minerals, and the balance between state-level regulatory autonomy and national strategic mineral policy.