New Delhi, August 14, 2026: Parliament has cleared the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, paving the way for changes aimed at expanding mineral exploration, improving investment conditions and strengthening India’s access to critical minerals.
The legislation seeks to create a more predictable fiscal framework for the mining industry by placing restrictions on the ability of states to introduce taxes, cesses and other levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land. The government has argued that a more uniform regime can reduce uncertainty and encourage greater investment in exploration and mining.
A key focus of the reform is critical mineral security, as minerals such as lithium and other strategic resources are increasingly important for electric vehicles, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies. Greater domestic exploration could help India reduce its dependence on overseas supplies and build more resilient mineral supply chains.
The amendment also expands the Centre’s regulatory role over mineral-bearing lands and seeks to address multiple and unpredictable fiscal charges that can affect the viability of mining projects.
The government sees the reform as part of a broader effort to modernise India’s mineral governance and accelerate the development of domestic resources. However, some states have raised concerns over the impact of the changes on their fiscal powers and revenues from mineral resources.