Updated on 06 Jun 2026
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) is the primary Central law regulating the development, regulation, exploration, and extraction of minerals in India. The latest edition incorporates all amendments up to 27.01.2026, dealing with issues such as mineral leases, auctions, exploration permits, royalties, District Mineral Foundation (DMF), National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT), and more recent changes in the mining industry.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), as amended till 27 January 2026, is the primary central legislation which regulates mineral exploration, mineral mining activities, mineral leases, mineral concessions, and scientific utilization of mineral deposits in India. The act administered by the Ministry of Mines in India deals with various important aspects such as awarding mining leases, composite licence, exploration license, payment of royalty, dead rent, transfer of statutory clearances, auction of mineral deposits, and regulation of mining activities in the country. Some of the major changes incorporated in the Act have been made by the MMDR Amendment Acts of 2015, 2021, 2023, and 2025 along with the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act, 2020. Important clauses include auction-based allotment of mineral deposits, creation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF), National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMET), guidelines for captive and commercial mining, exploration of deep-seated minerals, transfer of clearances to successful bidders, and other important matters.
| Assent Date | 28 Jan 2026 |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Type | PDF Document |