India’s Parliament has passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, modernising the foundational 1957 Act and opening new avenues for mineral development.
The Bill was approved by the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote on 19 August, 2025 after earlier passage in the Lok Sabha on August 12. The legislation aims to liberalise the mining sector, reduce import dependency, and strengthen supplies of critical minerals vital for national security and industrial growth.
A key provision expands the National Mineral Exploration Trust into the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust, empowering it to fund exploration and development projects in India and abroad. Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G Kishan Reddy, said the reforms were essential to address India’s limited reserves, noting, “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.”