Mining

Minerals are now often sourced through re-export hubs like Hong Kong. India is therefore indirectly tethered not only to China’s dominance but also to the political and trade dynamics of the intermediary state

Union Cabinet clears new CoalSETU window to boost industrial use and coal exports

New CoalSETU window opens long-term coal linkages for industries and exporters as India eyes regional markets.

Parliament panel pulls up IREL over board-level vacancies, Odisha mining JV stuck awaiting clearances

The minerals and rare earths company under the Department of Atomic Energy is under review for slow progress on key fronts.

Govt pushes atomic minerals agency to fast-track exploration as uranium demand set to surge

With nuclear capacity set to jump tenfold, government steps up search for strategic minerals even as uranium import dependence grows.

Parliament panel seeks faster clearances of coal mine, flags delays in green approvals

The Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel has recommended overhaul of clearance framework as forest approvals stretch up to 34 months

Scientists Warning: Deep sea mining reduces ocean life by 37%

A study reveals deep sea mining significantly reduces animal abundance, harms biodiversity and raises urgent concerns for ocean ecosystems in the Pacific Clarion-Clipperton Zone.

Labour Codes 2025: Key provisions for mining, hazardous industries, textile sector including migrant workers

While the Codes overhaul 29 separate laws into a single structure, their provisions carry specific implications for mine workers, employees in hazardous environments, and textile-sector labourers, including migrants.

Supreme Court bans mining activities within one km radius of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries

The matter pertained to a long-pending proposal to notify the Saranda and Sasangdaburu forest areas in West Singhbhum district as a wildlife sanctuary and conservation reserve, respectively.

In a first, 21 mines with underground coal gasification potential up for grabs

Coal minister G. Kishan Reddy said the environment ministry has now exempted pilot underground coal gasification projects from environmental clearance, ensuring faster implementation

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

OPINION | Building a Sustainable Mining Future: Balancing growth and responsibility

India's mining sector is evolving to balance economic growth, environmental responsibility, and community development. Innovations in sustainability, gender inclusion, and ecological restoration are shaping a regenerative mining future

India’s first deep-sea critical minerals auction falters on tepid response

The auction of 13 blocks, which have cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel reserves, has been put off at least four times. The latest was August 22

Manufacturing startups look to tap rare-earth-free motors as China tightens grip on supply

Industry players have engaged with commerce minister Piyush Goyal and the ministry of heavy industries, seeking incentives to support rare-earth-free technologies alongside mining

Centre likely to nudge next bidders of coal mines to turn some reserves into gases

The Indian government wants the private sector to take up underground coal gasification to reduce the carbon footprint of the coal sector, which is also a step towards the country achieving net zero emissions by 2070.

Govt exempts mining of critical and atomic minerals from public consultations

Prior to this, the Environment Ministry on August 31 also amended the Forest Conservation rules to create an exclusive category for critical and strategic minerals to fast-track forest approvals for such projects.

OPINION | India’s path to self-reliance in rare-earth magnet supply for the future

India is pivoting towards self-sufficiency in rare-earth magnets, essential for EVs, renewables, and defence -- through policy reforms, private sector involvement, and expanding domestic mining and recycling capacities

Higher GST on coal unlikely to negatively impact electricity tariffs in India

The move is likely to translate into a reduction of around Rs 12 paisa per unit in their cost of electricity supply as coal-based capacity accounts for nearly 70% of total generation at an all-India level, according to ICRA Ltd.

Lok Sabha passes bill to relax norms for mining of critical minerals

The Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025 also proposes an exchange to facilitate trading in minerals and metals

Critical minerals hunt: Key amendment in mining laws likely in Parliament today

Apart from facilitating new international acquisitions, the government is also seeking authorization for the disposal of mineral dumps from captive mines through lump sum sales.

Private entities not allowed in offshore mining of uranium and thorium, Centre clarifies

The new rules talk about mining beach sand minerals, primarily composed of monazite, ilmenite, rutile, zircon, garnet and sillimanite. Monazite is a valuable resource due to its high concentration of thorium and traces of uranium.

RIL, Adani, Tata, others look to partner NPCIL in nuclear energy push to lower emissions

The government has called bids for setting up Bharat Small Reactors to decarbonise high-emission industries such as steel and aluminium. It expects at least Rs 35,000 crore in investments from the private sector

Cabinet okays Rs 6,000-crore revised master plan for Jharia Coalfield-affected families

The plan will be implemented in a phase wise manner, ensuring rehabilitation and other services to the affected families on a priority basis

Hindustan Zinc looking at rare earth opportunity; mining auction process needs reform, says CEO

Arun Misra said that investments in the rare earths space will come from the Vedanta Group's planned $20 billion capital expenditure across its metals, mining, and hydrocarbons businesses over the next five to six years.

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.

NTPC to add 30 GW coal-fired power by FY32

In FY25, the company awarded works totalling 8 GW of thermal capacity and it plans to award a similar quantum in FY26. A senior NTPC executive said thermal power plants are in a good position this year to meet the summer demand as coal stocks are adequate.