Why in News?
Parliament passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to change rules governing mineral sales and strengthen exploration of critical minerals.
Key Details
It removes the 50% ceiling on sale of minerals produced from captive mines, giving leaseholders greater flexibility to sell output.
It allows certain critical minerals, such as lithium, to be added to existing leases under the amended framework.
The Bill also provides for regulation of electronic mineral-trading exchanges and expands the role of the National Mineral Exploration Trust.
Exam Connect
MMDR Act → Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
Critical minerals → strategically important minerals with supply risks