The Union government has notified the amended minerals concession rules that will pave the way for sale of 50 per cent of mineral produced from captive mines, transfer of mines without any charges and partial surrender of a lease. Various amendments were made in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Amendment) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) earlier this year. The changes were aimed at increasing employment and investment in the mining sector, increasing revenues to states, raising the production and time-bound operationalisation of mines, among other objectives.
