New Delhi, Aug. 12 -- The Lok Sabha passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which seeks to facilitate mineral exploration and development, particularly of critical and strategic minerals, while providing greater flexibility to mining lease holders.

The MMDR Amendment Bill, 2026, passed on Wednesday, proposes amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, allowing a mining lease holder to apply to the state government for inclusion of other minerals in an existing lease.

For inclusion of critical and strategic minerals and other specified minerals, including lithium, graphite, nickel, cobalt, gold and silver, no additional amount will be required to be paid. For other...