
Explained | How does the Mines and Mineral Bill 2023 plan to bring the private sector into mineral exploration?
The HinduThe story so far: On August 2, Parliament passed the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2023, in a bid to attract private sector investment in the exploration of critical and deep-seated minerals in the country. Not many significant mineral discoveries have taken place in the country in the last couple of decades and a majority of exploration projects have been carried out by the government agency Geological Survey of India and other PSUs like Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited, with very little private sector participation. A CSEP discussion note from June this year notes that India recognised the need for private and foreign investment in the mining sector including mineral exploration back in 1993, amending the Act next year to allow interested parties to apply for mineral concessions through a First Come First Served basis. Later, private companies could also get Prospecting Licences or Mining Leases, and could even apply for early-stage or greenfield exploration through Reconnaissance Permits.
History of this topic

Cabinet nod to critical minerals mission in green energy boost
Hindustan Times
Government kicks in critical mineral mission with Rs 34k crore outlay
New Indian Express
Government approves National Critical Minerals Mission with outlay of ₹34,300 crore in 7 years
The Hindu
Crucial intervention for critical minerals
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New round of actions for critical minerals security
China Daily
Government announces Critical Mineral Mission for producing and recycling minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel
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The race to net zero relies on critical minerals, driving mining sector to seek more cash from federal budget
ABC
Centre allows notified private exploration agencies to participate in critical mineral blocks auction
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Parliament passes bill permitting private agencies to mine atomic minerals: All you need to know
India TV News
Bill permitting private agencies to mine atomic minerals cleared
Hindustan Times
Addressing vulnerabilities in the supply chain of critical minerals
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Priority to exploration of mineral blocks paying dividends: Union minister
Deccan Chronicle
India’s mining sector to witness reforms, flurry of activities in 2021
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