Amid protests by the Opposition, Rajya Sabha Monday passed The Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2021. The Bill proposes to remove restrictions of end-use for future auctions of mineral mining rights, allow operators of existing captive mines to sell up to 50 per cent of minerals extracted in a year, and empower the central government to conduct auction of mines if state governments do not conduct auctions in a timely manner.
Union Minister for Mines Pralhad Joshi, who moved the Bill, said there are eight major reforms to generate employment, redefine mining exploration, and to increase the sector’s GDP contribution.
