MMDR Amendment Bill 2025: Critical Minerals and NMEDT Changes
Why in the news
The mining law amendment was passed to boost the mineral sector and secure critical mineral supply chains, matching the National Critical Mineral Mission.
Key amendments
| Area | Change |
|---|---|
| NMET | Renamed NMEDT; mandate extended to offshore and international exploration of critical minerals |
| Trust funding | Leaseholder contribution up from 2% to 3% of royalty payable |
| Mineral exchanges | Electronic trading platforms for minerals, concentrates, processed forms and metals; transparent price discovery |
| Critical minerals | Easy addition to existing leases; no extra royalty if listed in Seventh Schedule or Part D of First Schedule |
| Lease extension | One-time: up to 10% (deep-seated minerals below 200 m); up to 30% (composite licences) |
| Captive mines | 50% sale cap removed; all surplus can be sold, and states may allow sale of old mineral dumps |
Exam angle
- Renamed body: NMET to NMEDT.
- Linked mission: National Critical Mineral Mission.