Centre plans new mining law to replace 1957 legislation
By Staff Report October 19, 2026 1:55 pm IST
The government is considering a comprehensive replacement for the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to simplify regulations and improve ease of doing business. An inter-ministerial committee will review the existing law, examine international practices and consult stakeholders before preparing a draft of the proposed legislation.
The Centre is considering a comprehensive new mining law to replace the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, as part of efforts to simplify the regulatory framework and address the evolving requirements of India’s mining sector.
According to reports citing government sources, an inter-ministerial committee chaired by an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Mines will prepare the draft legislation. The panel will examine the existing Act in its entirety and recommend structural and substantive changes rather than limiting the exercise to amendments to individual provisions.
The committee will study international best practices and emerging trends in the mining industry to identify provisions that could be incorporated into the proposed law. It will also examine how the legislation can be aligned with related laws and constitutional requirements.
A key objective is to simplify the language of the existing legislation to make its provisions easier to understand and implement. The review will also focus on improving legal clarity, enforceability and administrative efficiency across the sector.
The committee is expected to consult state governments and other relevant stakeholders before finalising the draft. These consultations will help identify regulatory challenges faced by mining operators and state authorities, as well as provisions that may require modification or replacement.
The existing 1957 Act provides the central legal framework for the development and regulation of mines and minerals in India. It governs mineral concessions, including prospecting licences and mining leases, and establishes the framework for the auction of mineral resources and the collection of royalties.
The proposed overhaul comes after several amendments to the Act over the years to address changes in the mining industry. The government is now considering a broader legislative framework that accounts for technological developments, strategic mineral requirements and the sector’s long-term needs.
The proposal remains under consideration, and the scope of the new legislation will become clearer after the committee completes its review and prepares the draft bill.
Source: Mint
