A New Era for Indian Mining: Parliament Passes Landmark Bill

India’s Parliament has passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, marking a major step toward modernising the sector and updating the original 1957 Act to reflect present-day strategic and industrial needs.

The Bill was cleared by the Rajya Sabha via voice vote on August 19, 2025, following its earlier passage in the Lok Sabha on August 12. Aimed at liberalising the mining sector, the legislation seeks to reduce import dependency and secure the supply of critical minerals essential for national security, clean energy, and high-tech manufacturing.

A key feature of the amendment is the expansion of the National Mineral Exploration Trust into the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust. This revamped entity will be empowered to fund both domestic and international exploration and development initiatives.

Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, emphasized the importance of the reforms, stating, “In critical minerals, the country is dependent on imports… with demand set to rise further, the government is focusing on enhancing domestic production and exploring overseas markets.”

The Bill is expected to catalyse investment, improve resource security, and position India as a more self-reliant and globally competitive player in the critical minerals value chain.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.