The Centre is set to review the National Mineral Policy, 2019, to align it with new priorities such as critical minerals, recycling, deep-sea resources, supply-chain resilience and sustainable mining.
New Delhi, October 20 — The Centre is preparing to review the National Mineral Policy, 2019, with the aim of updating it in line with major changes in India’s mining sector and new strategic priorities.
According to sources, the Mines Ministry has decided to constitute a nine-member committee to carry out a comprehensive review of the policy.
The panel will be chaired by the Additional Secretary in the Mines Ministry and will examine how the mineral sector has evolved since the policy was introduced in 2019.
The committee has been asked to identify provisions that need modification and recommend a comprehensive revision of the policy.
It is expected to submit its recommendations within two months of its constitution.
The review is likely to focus on several emerging areas, including critical and strategic minerals, mineral recycling, deep-sea resources, exploration, domestic value addition and sustainable mining practices.
The National Mineral Policy, 2019, was approved by the Union Cabinet with the objective of improving regulation and promoting sustainable development of India’s mining sector.
It also sought to address the concerns of people affected by mining projects, particularly communities living in tribal regions.
The policy introduced measures aimed at increasing transparency, strengthening regulation and enforcement, encouraging exploration, attracting private investment and improving ease of doing business.
Mining industry expert and former Federation of Indian Mineral Industries Director General B K Bhatia said a revision has become necessary because of significant changes in the sector and the growing strategic importance of critical minerals.
He said the revised policy should help unlock India’s mineral potential, attract investments and advanced technologies, strengthen mineral security and increase the sector’s contribution to the economy.
Pankaj Satija, Co-Chair of the FICCI Mining Committee, also said global mining jurisdictions have increasingly revised their policies around national priorities, supply-chain resilience, domestic value addition and sustainable development.
India has already introduced major reforms, including amendments to mining laws and the launch of the National Critical Mineral Mission.
Industry stakeholders said a fresh mineral policy could therefore help align India’s mining framework with newer priorities in critical minerals, exploration, recycling and responsible resource development.
