India’s Mineral Import Bill Hits ₹10.12 Lakh Crore in FY26; Mining Law Amended

India imported minerals worth ₹10.12 lakh crore in FY26, according to a Moneycontrol news report citing government data.  

The figure comes against the backdrop of changes to the country’s mining law, which seek to establish a common framework for state levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land. 

What the Amendment Changes? 

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, came into force on August 22 after being passed during Parliament’s Monsoon Session. It introduces a common reference framework for state levies, subject to conditions prescribed by the Centre. 

The amendment defines mineral-bearing land and adds Section 9D to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The law governs mineral exploration, mining leases, auctions and royalties, with states responsible for granting leases and collecting revenue. 

Existing payments will continue under the amended law. These include royalties, auction premiums, contributions to District Mineral Foundations (DMFs), and the levy paid to the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust.  

Mineral Revenue and Auction Data 

Between FY15 and FY26, states received ₹7.67 lakh crore in mineral revenue. Annual receipts reached ₹1.14 lakh crore, according to the report citing government data. 

Since the auction system began in 2015, more than 720 mineral blocks have been auctioned. However, only 105 have become operational. Around 100 operational auctioned mines have generated approximately ₹96,000 crore in premiums. 

The gap between auctions and operational mines remains evident in state-level figures. Odisha has brought 35 of its 79 auctioned blocks into production, the highest number among states.  

The remaining 44 are yet to become operational. India has 656 DMFs supporting local development in mining areas. 

Read More: India Extends Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Titanium Dioxide for 5 Years! 

Conclusion 

The mining law amendment changes how state levies on mineral rights and mineral-bearing land are governed.  

Meanwhile, imports stood at ₹10.12 lakh crore in FY26, and only 105 of the more than 720 auctioned blocks are operational. Bringing more mines into production remains a separate challenge for the sector. 

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