Jaipur: The Centre has issued fresh directions to ease the transition for existing mining leases after four minerals were recently reclassified from minor minerals to major minerals, giving lease holders more time to comply with the new regulatory framework.The order applies to quartz, feldspar, mica and barytes. The Ministry of Mines said it was issued after receiving representations from state govts, mining associations and lease holders on issues arising from the transition. The objective is to ensure mining operations continue smoothly while existing mines shift to the new regulatory system.A senior mining official said, “Under the directions, mining plans approved by state govts will remain valid till March 31, 2027, or until they expire, whichever is earlier. Mines that want to continue operations beyond that date will have to obtain approval of fresh mining plans from the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).”He added , “Existing mines will continue to pay royalty at the rates fixed by state governments till March 31, 2026, or until further orders. Existing financial assurances submitted to state govts will remain valid till March 31, 2027.”To provide more time for compliance, the Centre has exempted lease holders from submitting digital aerial images till July 1, 2026, while online self-assessment reports under the star-rating system for FY 2024-25 have also been waived. Reports for FY 2025-26 must be filed by July 1, 2026, and mines will be required to maintain a minimum three-star rating from FY 2028-29.The order also stated that no penalty will be imposed on existing mines till March 31, 2026 for violations of most provisions of the new rules, except those related to filing mandatory returns.Lease holders have also been allowed to apply for inclusion of additional minerals found within their lease areas. “The state govt has been directed to permit such inclusion in the interest of mining critical minerals and overall mineral development,” said a mining official.
