Updated on 12 Jun 2026
The Central Government has made notifications regarding amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 on 12th October 2023, concerning provisions related to royalty and regulations for Critical and Strategic minerals such as Lithium, Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
Amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 have been made by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, via notifications issued on 12.10.2023. The amendments pertain to critical and strategic minerals with specific rates of royalties being notified for Lithium, Niobium, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs). These minerals are vital for various applications including clean energy technology, electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy infrastructure, and electronics among other industries. The amendments come into force after the passage of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2023 and are geared towards India’s national policy of developing its critical minerals for exploration, mining, and processing. These reforms enable transparency in auctioning processes, private investment in exploration, the introduction of exploration licenses, and efficient mineral administration. This notification is pertinent for mining companies, mineral concessionaires, lawyers, consultants, environmentalists, scholars, and government officers involved in mining laws and critical minerals developments in India. Users can access the MMDR Amendment Notification 12.10.2023 along with new royalty provisions and mining reforms notified by the Ministry of Mines.