The MMDR Amendment Act, 2026 amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to establish a more uniform and predictable fiscal framework for India’s mining sector. The Act seeks to address varying State levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands while strengthening the competitiveness, investment climate, and long-term viability of the sector.
The Amendment introduces New Section 9D, which limits the imposition of taxes, cess and other levies by State Governments on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands, subject to conditions or restrictions prescribed by the Central Government. It also amends Section 13 to empower the Central Government to prescribe these conditions through rules. The Act further provides that certain unpaid or uncollected past levies will be treated as invalid, while amounts already deposited or recovered before commencement will not be refunded.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, including the need for reform, major provisions, protection of State revenues, auction premiums, minor minerals, mining-sector reforms since 2014, critical mineral development, exploration, recycling, digital monitoring, District Mineral Foundations, expected economic benefits, and the Act’s role in strengthening energy security, manufacturing, investment, employment and Viksit Bharat.
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Date of post: 19.08.2026
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