New Rules to Boost Mineral Exploration and Development

The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, has introduced significant amendments to the
National Mineral Exploration Trust Rules, 2015, through a notification issued on
October 23, 2025. Published in the Gazette of India, these changes, officially titled the
National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (Amendment) Rules, 2025, aim to enhance
the framework for mineral exploration and development across India, including offshore areas
and international activities.

These amendments support the National Critical Mineral Mission and seek to modernize mining
operations with increased focus on strategic minerals and global sourcing.

Key Amendments to the Trust Rules

Name Change and Expanded Scope

The Trust has been renamed from the National Mineral Exploration Trust to the
National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust. The updated mandate expands the Trust’s
activities to offshore areas under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002,
and even to activities outside India.

Increased Funding Contribution

The contribution to the Trust from holders of a composite licence has been increased from
2% to 3% of the royalty. This is expected to strengthen the Trust’s financial capacity to support
exploration and development projects.

Support for Critical Minerals and Infrastructure

The revised rules place strong emphasis on exploration and development of critical and strategic minerals
essential for national industrial growth. The Trust will now support:

• Mining and processing
• Beneficiation activities
• Evacuation and transport infrastructure
• Technology upgradation
• Initiatives under the National Critical Mineral Mission

Administrative Updates

The Trust’s office will remain in New Delhi or any other location determined by the Executive Committee.
Regional limitations have been removed to allow a broader and more flexible national and international scope.

Impact on India’s Mining Sector

These amendments mark a major step toward strengthening India’s mineral resource security. By expanding funding and operational scope, the government aims to improve self-reliance in critical mineral supply chains, enhance mining infrastructure, and improve India’s position in global resource markets. The focus on offshore exploration 
and international mineral partnerships aligns with India’s broader economic and strategic objectives.

Source Information

Source: Ministry of Mines Notification, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary,
Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i), vide notification number G.S.R. 780(E), dated
October 23, 2025.