
Lok Sabha passes Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2025
Union Minister for Coal and Mines
G Kishan Reddy
, during the brief discussion, noted the Bill's importance for the mining sector and India's economic development, particularly in the context of critical and strategic minerals.
The new legislation, which seeks to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, introduces several key changes aimed at boosting
mineral exploration and production
in the country. A major provision is the expansion of the
National Mineral Exploration Trust
(NMET) under which funds can be used for the exploration and development of mines and minerals both within India (including offshore areas) and outside the country.
This move is seen as a strategic step to secure critical mineral assets abroad. The Bill also mandates an increase in the amount paid to the Trust by lessees. The payment will rise from the current 2 per cent of the royalty payable to 3 per cent.
The trust will also be renamed as the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust, reflecting its widened scope.
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