Mining reforms drive India’s sectoral surge forward
New Delhi
India’s mining sector made strong progress in 2025 after the government rolled out wide-ranging reforms aimed at modernising the industry and improving mineral security, according to the Ministry of Mines.
The government passed the MMDR Amendment Act, 2025, and expanded the National Mineral Exploration Trust into the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust. The new body now supports mineral development and overseas acquisition of strategic minerals, backed by higher contributions from mining lease holders.
Several other steps were introduced during the year. These included faster auction timelines, removal of limits on sales from captive mines, reclassification of some minerals as major minerals, notification of royalty rates for critical minerals, promotion of mineral exchanges, and reforms in offshore mining.
As a result, mineral development gained speed. By December 5, a record 141 mineral blocks were auctioned, including 79 mining leases and 62 composite licences. This was the highest number of auctions since the system began in 2015. Assam and Uttarakhand joined the auction process for the first time.
Since 2015, India has auctioned 585 mineral blocks. In 2025, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan led with 33 and 22 blocks. Limestone, iron ore and bauxite saw the most auctions.To improve monitoring, a Mining Dashboard was launched in April to track auctions, approvals and delays, improving transparency and accountability.
The Union Cabinet also approved the National Critical Mineral Mission with a major investment plan to secure long-term supplies. India strengthened global ties through mineral partnerships and discussions with international agencies.
Public sector miners posted strong results, with NALCO and Hindustan Copper reporting profit growth, reflecting confidence in the sector.
