Updated on 16 Jun 2026
The Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, 2021 were published by the Ministry of Coal on 01 October 2021. This was done with the intention to amend the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960. The amendments made certain changes regarding the lease period of government companies, selling of coal or lignite from captive mines, provision for royalties, and lapse of mining leases under MMDR Act, 1957.
The Ministry of Coal vide Gazette Notification G.S.R. 717(E) dated 01.10.2021 notified the Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, 2021 under Section 13 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 have been substantially amended in terms of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021. Major amendments included insertion of Rule 24C providing a fifty-year mining lease period for Government companies or corporations engaged in coal or lignite mining along with provisions for extension of lease. Rule 27A was introduced to enable captive mine lessees to sell up to 50 per cent of annual production of coal or lignite in the open market after meeting the end-use requirements. The amendment also contained provisions concerning the lapsing of leases, royalty payment on processed minerals, annual return filing requirements and the definition of 'run-of-mine'. The reforms were brought in view to improve mineral production, operational efficiency, promote ease of doing business and increase transparency in mining sector. This document would be of great help to mining companies, mining engineers, government officers, legal professionals, consultants, researchers, academicians and students dealing with mining laws and mineral concession regulations in India.