The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 brought sweeping changes to India’s mining policy, with the goal of unlocking the full potential of the sector while maintaining a balance between mineral exploration, efficient resource use, and sustainable development. The legislation, which received presidential assent on March 28, 2021, marks a pivotal step in the government’s efforts to attract private investments and enhance the transparency and efficiency of mining operations across the country.
Key Features of the Amendment Act, 2021
1. Removal of Restriction on End-Use of Minerals: The Amendment Act removes prior restrictions on the end-use of minerals for future auctions. This means that mines will no longer be reserved for a particular end-use, giving companies greater flexibility to decide how minerals extracted from their leased mines are used. This change is expected to encourage broader participation in the mining sector, leading to increased competition and efficiency in mineral utilization.
2. Elimination of Distinction Between Captive and Non-Captive Mines: Historically, captive mines were reserved for specific industries, while non-captive mines allowed for the sale of minerals on the open market. The Amendment Act abolishes this distinction, streamlining the mining landscape and paving the way for a more uniform system. It introduces a National Mineral Index (NMI), an index-based pricing mechanism, to standardize statutory payments across the sector. This move simplifies regulatory processes and opens up opportunities for greater financial returns.
3. Sale of Minerals by Captive Mines: For existing captive mine operators, the Act allows the sale of up to 50% of the minerals extracted annually, beyond their own industrial use. This shift represents a significant policy change, as it opens new revenue streams for captive mine operators while improving mineral availability in the open market. It also incentivizes efficient mining operations and helps address the issue of underutilized resources in the country.
4. Transfer of Statutory Permissions: One of the challenges in the mining sector has been the bureaucratic hurdles involved in transferring statutory permissions when a mining lease expires. Under the new law, upon the expiry of a mining lease (excluding those involving coal, lignite, and atomic minerals), the new lessee will inherit the statutory permissions granted to the previous lessee for a period of two years. This streamlines the auction process and ensures smoother transitions between lessees, ultimately reducing downtime in mining operations.
5. Empowering the Central Government: To ensure timely auctions, the Act gives the central government powers to conduct or re-conduct the auction process in cases where state governments fail to do so within the stipulated timeframe. This provision addresses the delays that have often plagued state-run auctions, promoting efficiency in the allocation of mineral resources and facilitating the quicker commencement of mining projects.
Major Amendments in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
1. Introduction of a Fourth Schedule: The Amendment Act introduces a new Fourth Schedule that lists bauxite, iron ore, limestone, and manganese ore as notified minerals. This classification aims to streamline their governance and align them with national mineral policies, ensuring better management and regulatory oversight of these critical resources.
2. Creation of New Mining License Categories: A significant innovation in the 2021 Amendment is the creation of a Prospecting License-cum-Mining License category. This dual-purpose license covers both the prospecting stage, during which the presence of viable mineral deposits is confirmed, and the mining stage, where actual extraction begins. This integration simplifies the process for mining companies and reduces the need for separate licenses for exploration and extraction, thereby accelerating project timelines.
3. Expansion of Maximum Area for Mining: Previously, the maximum area that could be leased for mining was limited to 10 square kilometers, with operators needing to apply for additional licenses for larger areas. The Amendment Act allows the central government to increase the area limit for mining operations beyond 10 square kilometers. This is expected to attract larger investments and promote large-scale mining projects, contributing to economies of scale and improved mineral output.
Institutional Innovations
1. National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET): To ensure a continuous focus on mineral exploration, the Amendment Act mandates that mining license holders contribute 2% of their royalty payments to the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). The NMET will be responsible for detailed exploration of mineral deposits, ensuring that new mineral resources are continuously discovered and exploited in a sustainable manner.
2. District Mineral Foundation (DMF): Mining license holders are also required to contribute to the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), with payments capped at one-third of the royalty rate. The DMF is designed to benefit communities affected by mining operations in their regions. State governments will oversee these foundations, ensuring that affected communities receive fair compensation and support for infrastructure, healthcare, and education projects. This initiative promotes inclusive growth and addresses the environmental and social impacts of mining activities.
Transfer and Auction of Mineral Concessions
1. Transfer of Mineral Concessions: One of the critical changes in the Amendment Act is the provision for the transfer of mineral concessions. Only concessions granted through competitive auctions will be eligible for transfer. Upon the state government’s approval, the holder of a Prospecting License-cum-Mining Lease or a mining lease can transfer the concession to another eligible entity. If the state government does not respond within 90 days, it will be assumed that the transfer is approved. However, if the government explicitly communicates its opposition, the transfer will not be allowed.
2. Auction-Based Allocation for All Minerals: The Amendment Act mandates that all mineral leases be allocated through a competitive auction process, including e-auctions, ensuring transparency and fairness. For notified minerals, state governments must seek the central government’s approval before granting prospecting licenses or mining leases. This requirement ensures that strategic minerals are allocated in a manner that aligns with national interests and long-term development goals.
3. Extension of Lease Period: The 2021 Amendment Act extends the lease period for mining operations to 50 years, replacing the previous minimum of 20 years and maximum of 30 years outlined in the 1957 Act. Once the lease expires, rather than renewing it, the Act mandates that it be put up for auction again, ensuring fresh competition and potentially higher government revenues. This change applies to all minerals except coal, lignite, and atomic minerals.
Impact and Long-Term Benefits
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 is a bold step toward liberalizing India’s mining sector and attracting greater private and foreign investment. By removing barriers such as restrictions on end-use, increasing mining area limits, and promoting the transfer of concessions, the government is creating a more business-friendly environment while ensuring that mineral resources are efficiently utilized.
The Act’s focus on institutional reforms, such as the establishment of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), emphasizes sustainable development. The contributions to these funds will enhance mineral exploration and benefit communities impacted by mining activities, addressing the sector’s environmental and social challenges.
Furthermore, the introduction of a unified Prospecting License-cum-Mining License and a transparent auction process will streamline the entire life cycle of mining projects, from exploration to extraction. The long-term benefits of this legislation will include increased mineral production, improved transparency, and enhanced economic growth.
In conclusion, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021 represents a comprehensive overhaul of India’s mining laws. By removing outdated restrictions, introducing new categories of mining licenses, and empowering both central and state governments to facilitate mineral exploration and extraction, this legislation is poised to unlock the true potential of India’s vast mineral resources, positioning the country as a global leader in the mining sector.
