The Indian government is planning a major overhaul of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, replacing it with a new law aimed at improving the ease of doing business and living in the country. The Ministry of Mines, which oversees the current legislation, is leading this effort to modernize the regulatory framework for the mining sector, which is crucial for economic growth and technological progress.
An inter-ministerial committee, chaired by the additional secretary in the Ministry of Mines, will draft the new legislation. The committee will review the existing law in its entirety, examine international best practices, and consider emerging trends in the mining sector. One of the key goals is to simplify the language of the law to make it easier to understand and implement.
The committee will also consult with relevant stakeholders, including state governments, to assess existing regulatory challenges and identify provisions that may need modification. The proposed changes aim to create a more streamlined regulatory framework for the mining industry while addressing its evolving requirements.
The current MMDR Act, 1957, provides the central legal framework for regulating mining and mineral development in India. It empowers the central government to regulate mineral development in the public interest and establish rules for the conservation and systematic development of mineral resources. The proposed overhaul signals an effort to create a more comprehensive legal framework for the mining industry, taking into account economic priorities, technological developments, and the country's strategic mineral needs.