Updated on 29 Jun 2026
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 brought in major changes to India’s mining industry through its inclusion of auction system for mining leases, setting up of DMF and NMET, prospecting license cum mining lease, and other measures.
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 (Act No. 10 of 2015) has been passed by the Parliament to bring about fundamental changes in the mining industry under the MMDR Act, 1957. This Act was brought into force from 12th January 2015, and it has had a significant impact on the allocation and regulation of mineral concessions in India. Some of the fundamental changes that have been made through this amendment are the introduction of the process of granting of mining leases and prospecting license-cum-mining leases through competitive bidding and e-auction procedures. This amendment has also introduced the concept of ‘notified minerals’ and has laid down guidelines for prospecting license-cum-mining leases. An important institutional change made in this amendment act is the establishment of the District Mineral Foundation for welfare of mining affected individuals and areas and also the establishment of the National Mineral Exploration Trust for conducting mineral exploration. The amendment has also provided for the period of lease, extension of lease period for captive and non-captive mines, transferability of mineral concessions awarded through auctions, and directions by the Central Government for sustainable mining and environmental preservation.