The Rajya Sabha leadership passed significant amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill amidst protests from the Opposition and multiple adjournments.

During the debate, Union Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy mentioned that coal production has risen due to the efforts of the central government, positioning India as the second-largest coal consumer in the world. He noted that the Gevra coal mine located in Chhattisgarh ranks as the second-largest mine globally.

He commented that under PM Modi's guidance, India has achieved coal production exceeding one billion tonnes for the first time.

“Currently, no state is experiencing a power shortage. Regardless of the coal limitations states might face for power generation, the ministry is prepared to supply that coal,” he asserted.

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The Bill enables leaseholders to request the state government to add additional minerals to their existing leases. For the inclusion of critical and strategic minerals along with other specified minerals, no extra payment is required. These minerals encompass lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, gold, and silver.

The Bill sets up the National Mineral Exploration Trust to finance mineral exploration efforts in the nation.

 

Additionally, it expands the Trust's role to include the development of mines and minerals.

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The Bill permits captive mines to market up to 50% of the minerals produced within a year, provided they fulfill end-use obligations. It eliminates the prior restriction on the sale of minerals.

The legislation allows for a one-time expansion of the area covered by a mining or composite lease for deep-seated minerals.

The Bill also provides for the creation of an authority to oversee the registration and regulation of mineral exchanges, defining a mineral exchange as a registered electronic trading platform or marketplace for the exchange of minerals and metals.

The Opposition conducted a walkout in the Rajya Sabha, insisting on a discussion regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar.

Members of the INDIA bloc in the Opposition left the Upper House immediately after the discussion on The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2025 commenced.