Why in news
- The amended MMDR framework aims to unlock private capital investment and bring tax uniformity to the mining sector.
What is the MMDR Act, 1957?
- Central governing legislation that regulates the allocation of prospecting licences and mining leases in India.
- Administered by the Ministry of Mines, managing major minerals and royalty frameworks.
Key changes
- Introduces provisions to streamline exploration licensing and standardize royalty and levy structures.
- Before: Fragmented tax regimes and long exploration approval cycles discouraged deep-seated mineral exploration.
- After: Standardized fiscal terms incentivize private capital inflow for critical and deep-seated mineral extraction.
Why it matters
- Enhances global competitiveness of domestic mineral production and secures raw materials for energy transition.
Key terms
Prospecting Licence
A authorization granted to explore and locate mineral deposits in a specified area.
Prelims facts
- MMDR Act 1957 provides the statutory mechanism for auctioning mineral blocks in India.
Mains discussion
- Role of mining sector reforms in securing critical minerals for domestic manufacturing.
Source: The Hindu