Bill to allow private sector to mine lithium, 5 other atomic minerals passed by Parliament
The Hindu
Rajya Sabha passed Bill allowing private sector to mine 6 out of 12 atomic minerals, incl. lithium, gold & silver. Bill amends Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957.
A Bill that seeks to allow the private sector to mine six out of 12 atomic minerals, including lithium, and deep-seated minerals such as gold and silver was passed by Rajya Sabha on August 2, amid a walkout by opposition members demanding a discussion over the Manipur violence issue.
Union Minister for Coal and Mines Pralhad Joshi moved the The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, when Rajya Sabha reassembled in for the post-lunch period.
Parliament Monsoon Session live updates | Rajya Sabha passes Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2023 in the absence of Opposition
The Bill was passed by the Upper House of Parliament by voice vote. It was approved by Lok Sabha last month.
Earlier, all 12 atomic minerals were reserved for mining and exploration by state-owned entities. The Bill amended The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
The atomic minerals which will be opened for private sector exploration are lithium (used for manufacturing batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage devices), beryllium, niobium, titanium, tantalum and zirconium.
The Bill also empowers the central government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite licence for certain critical minerals.