India is preparing to introduce a new mineral law aimed at significantly boosting domestic mineral output and strengthening the country’s resource security, according to ET Graphics. The proposed legislation is expected to streamline regulatory processes, encourage private and foreign investment, and accelerate exploration and production of key minerals critical to economic growth and industrial development.
The planned reforms are focused on reducing approval timelines, improving transparency in the allocation of mineral blocks, and creating a more investor-friendly framework. By addressing long-standing bottlenecks in exploration and mine development, the new law seeks to unlock untapped mineral potential and reduce India’s dependence on imports, particularly for critical and strategic minerals.
Policy makers are also looking to align the proposed mineral law with India’s broader goals of manufacturing expansion, infrastructure development, and energy transition. Enhanced domestic availability of minerals such as iron ore, copper, lithium, and rare earth elements is seen as essential to support sectors including steel, renewable energy, electric mobility, and electronics manufacturing.
The move reflects a strategic push by India to strengthen its mining ecosystem while balancing environmental safeguards and community interests. If implemented effectively, the new mineral law could play a key role in improving output efficiency, attracting long-term capital, and positioning India as a more competitive player in the global minerals and metals supply chain.