Mines

State-run IREL to help private firms manufacture rare earth magnets amid China squeeze

IREL Ltd is also likely to participate in government’s incentive scheme for processing and production of rare earth permanent magnets

Unlocking India’s Rare Earth Potential: From policy to production

India’s vast rare earth reserves offer immense strategic potential. With policy reforms, technology, partnerships, and sustainable practices, the nation can reduce dependence on China and become a competitive player in the global REE value chain

Brownfield mining operations are enough to meet India’s rare-earth needs

India does not need a maximalist mining push to meet its rare‑earth goals. A calibrated build via expansion of existing mining projects to roughly 20,000 tonnes of TREO is sufficient

Rivalry over critical minerals strengthens case for smart state intervention

As the global race for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing intensifies, governments have little choice but to revisit old dogmas about state-market boundaries. Success will depend less on ideology and more on execution

Buried in Plain Sight: Why India’s critical minerals lie not only in mines but also in landfills

India’s critical minerals for a clean-energy future really are buried in plain sight; in the smartphones, laptops and batteries we discard every day. Unlocking them is not optional, it is strategic

Rare earth crisis may see India push through new minerals bill in the monsoon session

The bill may also enable the National Mineral Exploration Trust to use its funds for mine development, apart from exploration in India as well as overseas.

Critical minerals central to India-Australia partnership, defence in focus too: Austrade commissioner

Defence and aerospace are other new areas where Australia is interested in collaborating with India, Australia’s trade and investment commissioner Nathan Davis told Moneycontrol.

Coal ministry surpasses asset monetisation target by Rs 63,000 crore

The record numbers indicate renewed confidence in the coal sector as the Indian government seeks to ensure energy security for the country through thermal power till the time firm renewable energy becomes affordable.

Hind Zinc's Rajasthan units in 'emergency preparedness' but no disruption despite tense border

The Vedanta group company operates five mines and three smelters in the state of Rajasthan which shares a long and sensitive border with Pakistan, making it a region of strategic concern during periods of heightened military alertness.

Govt earned 24% average revenue share via commercial coal mine auctions: Minister G Kishan Reddy

Under round 12, a total of 25 coal mines are being offered, comprising 7 mines under Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 and 18 mines under Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

Govt to launch first-ever auction mining exploration licences on March 13

In the first phase, the government will auction 13 blocks of minerals like zinc, diamond and copper, through an online bidding process.

India, Argentina sign agreement for exploration of lithium, other critical minerals

Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in the mining sector, particularly in lithium exploration and investment opportunities, the Ministry of Mines said in a statement.

Coal ministry plans to offer additional incentives in underground mine auctions

The proposed incentives are in an advanced stage of discussions and are expected to be announced soon, Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt said at a roadshow for commercial coal mine auctions in the city.

Will supply 906 million tonnes of coal to power sector in FY26: Coal Ministry

Union minister for coal and mines G Kishan Reddy said the ministry is also working on the plans for smooth supply and transportation of coal. Between April and November 2024, coal imports declined by 5.35 percent, saving approximately $3.91 billion (Rs 30,007.26 crore). Notably, coal imports for domestic power plant blending fell by 23.56 percent, he said.

Gold Hunt: Karnataka's Hutti Mines eyes four sites for mining; feasibility study soon

The Karnataka government-owned mining company plans feasibility study for four locations: Ajjanahalli in Tumakuru, Wondalli near Raichur and Mangulur in Yadgir, all focused on gold extraction, apart from the Ingaldhal copper site in Chitradurga.

Govt sets coal production target of 1,193.39 MT for FY26: Ministry officials

So far, 96 coal mines have been auctioned for commercial operations by the government. Out of these allocated 96 blocks, 12 blocks have got 'mine opening permission' and nine have started actual coal production, while the rest are under construction.

Govt asks major steel players to use iron ore fines also for steel making

While iron ore is abundant, India's dependence on imported coking coal and low-grade ore beneficiation increases production costs for steel manufacturers.

India's Critical Minerals Race: Securing resources for future growth

Global demand for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt is surging, driven by clean energy and semiconductor needs. India, aiming to become a tech hub, must address policy gaps and boost investment. Key measures include tax incentives, FDI reforms, strategic reserves, and international collaborations

Taxing mineral extraction judgement balances industry interests and States’ fiscal rights

In all taxation matters, the battleground is the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. The position of Supreme Court’s majority opinion is that the legislative power to tax mineral rights vests with the State Legislatures by virtue of Entry 50 of List II

Supreme Court sought balance in mineral extraction judgement but more litigation appears inevitable

The Court's pronouncement has been met with considerable alarm and disappointment from the industry stakeholders. While the provision for staggered payment over 12 years offers some respite, the persistence of a 20-year tax liability represents a considerable financial obligation

Supreme Court walks a tightrope in allowing states to retrospectively levy tax on mineral extraction

Supreme Court has given effect to states right to levy a tax on mineral extraction with retrospective effect. The Court has held that it generally does not apply a judgment prospectively when upholding the legislative competence of states. However, states have been left with the discretion to forego the dues prior to July 25, 2024. So, a lot depends on the approach that respective states adopt now

Vedanta Resources regains control of Zambia's Konkola Copper Mines