The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, is poised to significantly benefit Chhattisgarh, a state rich in mineral resources, stated Raipur MP Brijmohan Agrawal. The bill, presented in the Lok Sabha’s monsoon session, is a key initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, aimed at securing India’s strategic mineral interests, modernizing the mining sector, and fostering economic development in mining-affected areas. Agrawal pointed out that the existing laws presented challenges, including import reliance for essential minerals (lithium, cobalt, and rare earths), complicated licensing processes, and a lack of transparency. The new bill promises to address these shortcomings, incorporating measures such as the establishment of the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) to empower India in mineral acquisition and exploration. The bill also promotes transparency and efficiency in lease allocation and mineral trading through digital platforms such as mineral exchanges. It introduces increased royalty rates for certain minerals and strengthens the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) to enhance investments in education, healthcare, and livelihood programs. Chhattisgarh stands to gain directly from these measures.
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