Updated on 01 Oct 2026
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (as amended up to August 17, 2026) serves as India's primary statutory framework governing mineral concessions, exploration, and sustainable mining operations. The latest 2026 amendments expand Union control over mineral-bearing lands, introduce Section 9D to restrict unapproved State-level cesses and taxes, and invalidate past uncollected tax demands while protecting deposited revenues. This updated reference provides complete regulatory clarity for mining leaseholders, state agencies, and legal professionals nationwide.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act 1957) is the principal legislation governing the development and regulation of mines and minerals in India. It establishes the legal framework for mineral concessions, mining leases, exploration, mineral production, royalty payments and the regulation of mining activities. The Act extends throughout India and provides for Union control over mines and mineral development in the public interest. It is a key component of Mining Legislation India and an essential reference for understanding the Indian Mining Law 2026.
Enacted in 1957, the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Act has undergone several amendments to address changes in mineral policy, auction procedures, exploration, mining operations and revenue administration. Major amendments were introduced in 2015, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2025 and 2026. The consolidated Act also incorporates amendments under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. These changes reflect the evolving regulatory framework for mineral development, transparency and compliance.
Key features of the MMDR Act include:
Regulation of reconnaissance, prospecting, exploration and mining through mineral concessions.
Grant of mining leases and composite licences in accordance with statutory procedures.
Auction-based allocation of notified mineral resources, subject to applicable exceptions.
Provisions for royalty, dead rent and payments to the District Mineral Foundation (DMF).
Establishment of the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust.
Powers of the Central and State Governments concerning mineral development and mining regulation.
Provisions relating to mineral-bearing land and restrictions on certain State levies under Section 9D.
Section 4 generally requires mining and exploration operations to be undertaken under the applicable permit, licence or lease. Sections 5 to 8A address eligibility, restrictions, concession areas and lease periods. These provisions form the basis of mining lease rules under MMDR Act 1957. Sections 9 and 9A deal with royalty and dead rent, while Section 9B provides for the District Mineral Foundation DMF regulations MMDR Act framework to benefit people and areas affected by mining.
The amendment dated 17 August 2026 introduces a definition of “mineral bearing land” under Section 3 and inserts Section 9D. The Definition of mineral bearing land in MMDR Act refers to land containing mineral contents according to prescribed parameters. Section 9D provides that State Governments cannot impose taxes, cess or similar levies on mineral rights or mineral-bearing land except in accordance with conditions or restrictions prescribed by the Central Government.
The MMDR Act has developed through successive amendments, including the 2015, 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2025 amendments, followed by amendments in 2026. The latest consolidated document incorporates the MMDR Amendment Act 2026 dated 17 August 2026. It brings together the principal legislation and subsequent changes in one reference document, helping readers trace the legal framework and identify provisions relevant to mining operations.
The MMDR Amendment Act 2026 dated 17 August 2026 introduces provisions concerning mineral-bearing land and State levies. Under Section 9D, certain taxes, cess or other levies imposed by a State on mineral rights or mineral-bearing land are subject to Central Government conditions and restrictions.
Section 9D(2) also addresses retrospective tax arrears invalidation MMDR Act 2026: qualifying levies not deposited with or recovered by the State before commencement of the amendment are deemed invalid at all material times. However, amounts already deposited or recovered before commencement are not refundable under this provision. These changes are relevant to the Impact of MMDR Amendment Act 2026 on State mineral tax and restrictions on State cess on mineral rights under Section 9D.
The Act applies throughout India and covers mineral concessions, exploration, mining leases, mineral production, transportation and storage, royalty obligations and related regulatory matters. It is relevant to government authorities, mining leaseholders, exploration entities and businesses operating in the mineral sector. Section 13 empowers the Central Government to make rules for specified purposes under the Act, making Central government powers under Section 13 MMDR Act an important area of regulatory compliance.
This consolidated Act is useful for:
Mining engineers, geologists and mineral exploration professionals.
Mine owners, leaseholders, auction bidders and mining companies.
Mining department officials and regulatory authorities.
Mining lawyers, legal consultants and compliance professionals.
Researchers, students and academic institutions.
Environmental consultants and other professionals working in the mining sector.
It is India’s principal legislation for regulating mines, mineral concessions and mineral development.
Section 9D regulates the imposition of specified State taxes, cess and other levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land, subject to Central Government conditions and restrictions.
It consolidates the Act and amendments incorporated up to that date, including the 2026 provisions concerning mineral-bearing land and Section 9D.
The consolidated MMDR Act 2026 PDF is available on this Mine Mountain page for reference. Readers should consult the applicable notifications, rules and official Gazette publications when determining the legal position in a particular case.
Mine Mountain provides a central knowledge resource for mining legislation, amendments, notifications, policies and regulatory updates. Its organised legal documents help mining professionals, students, lawyers, officials and businesses understand the evolution of the MMDR Act 1957 and related laws. By bringing consolidated legislation and amendment information together, Mine Mountain supports informed research, regulatory awareness and professional learning across India’s mining sector.
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Document Name |
MMDR Act 1957 (MMDR) (As amended up to 17.08.2026) |
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Document Type |
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Assent Date |
28.12.1957 |
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Document Size |
175 KB |
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Language |
English |
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Last Updated |
17.08.2026 |
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Status |
Active |
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Ministry |
Law & Justice |
