India to Replace 1957 Mining Act with Comprehensive New Law

The Union government has announced a plan to supplant the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 with a comprehensive mining statute that embeds ease-of-living and ease-of-doing-business reforms. While one outlet act separates major minerals under central control from minor minerals managed by states, it will undergo a full revision. An inter-ministerial committee chaired by the mines additional secretary will review the existing law, benchmark it against global standards and anticipate future industry developments.

The proposed bill will feature clearer language, alignment with related statutes and constitutional provisions, and structural reforms to boost enforceability and efficiency. Stakeholder input, particularly from state governments, will be sought before the draft is completed. Officials say the overhaul is vital for sustaining the sector’s contribution to the economy, technology and the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal.