The Union Cabinet approved the amendment of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 for specifying rate of royalty in respect of 12 critical and strategic minerals.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023, had listed 24 critical and strategic minerals in Part D of the First Schedule of the MMDR Act.
These minerals have gained significance in view of India's commitment towards energy transition and achieving net-zero emission by 2070.
Critical minerals such as Cadmium, Cobalt, Gallium, Indium, Sellenium and Vanadium and have uses in batteries, semiconductors, solar panels, etc.
Minerals like Beryllium, Titanium, Tungsten, Tantalum, etc. have usage in new technologies, electronics and defence equipment.