🗞️ NMET Becomes NMEDT: India Enters a New Era of Mineral Development

A detailed report on the Central Government’s October 2025 amendment reshaping India’s mineral exploration and development strategy.

New Delhi, October 23, 2025: The Ministry of Mines has officially notified sweeping amendments to the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) Rules, 2015, vide G.S.R. 780(E). The Trust is now renamed the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT), marking a new chapter in India’s mineral governance. 🌍

⚒️ From Exploration to Development

The term “Exploration Trust” has now evolved to include **development** — shifting its focus from early investigations to full-scale mine advancement. According to the amendment:

“In rule 2, for the words ‘National Mineral Exploration Trust’, the words ‘National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust’ shall be substituted.”

This symbolizes a bold extension of the Trust’s mandate — from identifying resources to turning those resources into operating assets. Funding can now cover mine infrastructure, beneficiation plants, and processing facilities.

Example: A lithium exploration block in Rajasthan may now secure assistance not only for exploration drilling but also for pilot-scale processing and plant development. 💡

🌊 Expanding Horizons: Offshore Mineral Areas

Another landmark update expands the Trust’s coverage to offshore mineral potential. The amendment inserts a new clause:

“(ia) ‘Offshore areas’ shall have the same meaning as defined in clause (n) of section 4 of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (17 of 2003).”

This allows funding of mineral exploration and development beneath India’s seas — tapping into polymetallic nodules, marine phosphorites, and other seabed resources, particularly along the western coast. 🌊

🔋 Strengthening the National Critical Mineral Mission

In line with global clean energy and strategic independence goals, the amendment adds a new clause supporting the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM):

“(ja) Supporting and funding the objectives and schemes of the National Critical Mineral Mission, including domestic critical mineral exploration, support of exploration activities outside India, risk coverage of foreign sourcing and mineral recovery.”

This inclusion empowers NMEDT to invest in critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths — ensuring India’s secure supply chain for EVs, clean energy, and high-tech manufacturing. ⚡

💰 Increased Contribution from Lessees

To enhance resource availability, the contribution from mining leaseholders to the Trust fund has been raised:

“In rule 6, sub-rule (3), for the words ‘two percent’, the words ‘three percent’ shall be substituted.”

Illustration: For every ₹100 crore in royalty payments, ₹3 crore will now be directed to the NMEDT — expanding its capacity for regional and detailed exploration projects across India. 💰

🔄 Simplified Licensing Framework

Modernization of mining language continues as the amendment updates outdated terminology:

“For the words ‘prospecting license-cum-mining lease’, the words ‘composite licence’ shall be substituted.”

This brings the rules in sync with the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, streamlining the policy for investors and geologists alike.

🏢 The Office of the Trust

The headquarters of the NMEDT is confirmed to be located in New Delhi. However, the Executive Committee may authorize operations from alternate locations as needed. The new text reads:

“The office of the Trust shall be situated at New Delhi or at such other place as may be determined by the Executive Committee.”

This flexibility ensures decentralized management and faster coordination with states and exploration agencies. 🏢

🌏 Why This Amendment Matters

The 2025 amendment marks a strategic reorientation of India’s mineral policy. It integrates exploration, development, technology advancement, and international cooperation into a unified framework.

• Encourages full mineral lifecycle management — from discovery to production.
• Promotes critical mineral self-sufficiency under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Opens new opportunities in offshore exploration and global collaborations.

In essence, NMEDT will now function as a national catalyst — energizing exploration, fueling development, and ensuring India’s global mineral competitiveness. 🪨

| Source: Ministry of Mines, Government of India (Notification G.S.R. 780(E), dated 23rd October 2025)