The Rajya Sabha has passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, paving the way for greater availability of critical minerals while relaxing rules for their conservation and extraction. The bill, passed by voice vote on August 19, comes with an allocation of ₹32,000 crore for exploration abroad, reflecting India’s push to secure mineral assets beyond its borders.
Strengthening Supply Chains Abroad
The new legislation aims to boost access to critical and deep-seated minerals needed for strategic sectors. Union Minister of Mines G Kishan Reddy said the government will use the funds to strengthen supply chains under the National Critical Mineral Mission. India is already securing mineral assets in countries like Zambia, Argentina, and Australia. Public sector company KABIL has begun exploration in five blocks in Argentina, with lithium production expected to start next year.
Debate Over State Rights
The bill was passed despite concerns raised by opposition members over states’ rights in managing mineral resources. CPI(M) leader John Brittas argued that the legislation undermines state powers and called for it to be sent to a select committee, but the demand was not accepted. Earlier, opposition MPs had walked out of the House over a separate issue. The Lok Sabha had already cleared the bill on August 12.
Meanwhile, China has pledged support for India’s requirements of rare earths, according to Reuters. The move signals a rare alignment between the two countries at a time when global competition over critical minerals is intensifying.