Mining bill to empower states on leases

There is finally some clarity on the controversial Mines And Minerals Development & Regulation (MMDR) Bill.

CNBC-TV18's Mehak Kasbekar reports the states will firmly be in the driving seat from now, at least, as far as mining leases is concerned.
The states have really bargained hard on this bill. In fact, now states are going to be the one that will call for competitive bids and they will also decide the minimum floor price for these bids.
States can also ask for a higher price for mining leases incase its going to be transferred.
States will decide the basis of payment for minor minerals. They will collect a cess of up to 10% of royalty. The Central Government cess will be limited to 2.5%.
Non-coal miners will now have to pay 100% royalty and coal miners will need to share26% of net profit.
The captive miners and PSUs units are not exempt from royalty/profit sharing.
The fine for mining without license has been kept at Rs 25,000 per hectare with a maximum imprisonment of two-years.