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The Lok Sabha has approved the amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act. Along with the introduction of this bill, Union Minister for Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy explained the provisions of the bill during his speech in the Lok Sabha.
“Proposing the amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, we have brought it before the House today. Everyone was aware of the state of the mining sector before 2014, as it frequently dominated headlines in both digital and print media.Following the Supreme Court’s judgment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for transparent and comprehensive reforms in the mining sector. Under his able leadership, amendments to the MMDR Act were brought in 2015, 2021, and 2023, and today, six more amendments have been placed before the House,” Union Minister G Kishan Reddy said.
He further added, “In line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision, we are strengthening the mining sector to boost employment and further enhance the nation’s economy. Before 2014, it was well known that the ruling party at the Centre allocated mines through a slip of paper. After 2014, we introduced reforms to ensure complete transparency, with all mine allocations carried out exclusively through auctions.”
The demand for critical minerals in the country has risen significantly, and their role will become even more crucial in the coming days. Earlier this year, the Cabinet approved the National Critical Minerals Mission, and to advance this mission more effectively, the government introduced amendments to the MMDR Act.
The mining sector is a key driver of the nation’s progress, with critical minerals playing an essential role in renewable energy, electric mobility, and cutting-edge technologies. However, India’s domestic production of these critical minerals is limited, leaving the country heavily dependent on imports.
“Since Prime Minister Modi took office, he has given special focus on this sector, enabling significant progress in strengthening the critical minerals supply chain. From solar panels to wind turbines, agriculture to medical equipment, electronics to electricity, cell phones to aircraft, and defence to sports, critical minerals play a significant role across every sector,” the minister said.
Reddy also said that whenever Prime Minister Modi visits another country, he engages in discussions on critical minerals with that nation’s head of state. Through the PSU KABIL, Reddy said the govt is working to secure critical minerals from abroad for India. At present, for lithium, the country is in talks with countries like Zambia and Argentina and is signing agreements with them.
Since assuming office, Prime Minister Modi introduced the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) for the development of mining-affected areas. Through DMF, the govt has placed special emphasis on employment generation and public welfare. In the past, mining leases were often exploited on a large scale by family members of political leaders and their close associates.
Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, with no scope for corruption, the DMF is being implemented under the supervision of district collectors, in coordination with local MPs, MLAs, and other public representatives, to ensure the welfare of the people. Through the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), the govt is extending full support for exploration activities.
