🚨 New Mining Notification – 24th September 2025

Govt. of India | Ministry of Mines
📍 Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi

🏗️ Background – Why this change?

Once upon a time in the mining world, Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz were treated as minor minerals. This meant easier rules, simpler processes, and state-level management.

👉 In 2015, the Govt. declared them as minor minerals.
👉 But on 20th February 2025, the rules changed again – these minerals were moved to the major mineral category.

⚖️ Why? Because major minerals need stricter regulation, national oversight, and better revenue management.

📌 The Big Issue

• Many miners, especially small and medium lease holders, had already filed applications, invested money, got letters of intent, or participated in auctions under the minor mineral framework.
• Suddenly, with the shift to major minerals, confusion spread:
• ❓ Will pending applications be valid?
• ❓ What about money already spent?
• ❓ What happens to small miners with <5 hectares?

🏛️ Govt. Decision (Order under Section 20A of MMDR Act, 1957)

To protect investments, jobs, and ensure a smooth transition, the Central Government issued this important order:

✅ Key Directions:

1. Applications without LOI → Lapsed
   If you applied but no LOI was issued before 20th Feb 2025, ❌ your application will not continue.
2. Applications with LOI / Completed Auction → Protected
   If you had a valid LOI before 20th Feb 2025 OR were declared a preferred bidder before 20th Feb 2025, 👉 You can still get a mining lease.
   ⏳ Timeline: Lease must be executed within 2 years from 24th Sept 2025.
3. After Lease Execution → Major Mineral Rules Apply
   Once your lease is executed, it will be governed by major mineral rules (Act + Rules).

🌍 Why This Matters (Ground Reality)

• 👷 Small miners (<5 ha) get protection if they already made progress.
• 💰 Investments by local entrepreneurs won’t be wasted.
• 📈 State Governments will still earn revenue.
• ⚖️ A balance is created: fairness for old applicants + stronger regulation for future.

🔑 Takeaway

• Protects existing genuine applicants 🛡️
• Cleans up pending inactive applications 🗑️
• Shifts the sector towards major mineral governance ⚒️