🏛️ Description
The Ministry of Mines is the key ministry under the Government of India responsible for the exploration, development, and regulation of minerals and mining activities across the country (excluding coal, petroleum, and atomic minerals). It formulates policies and programs for sustainable mining, mineral conservation, and the scientific exploitation of India’s mineral resources.
The Ministry promotes investment in the mining sector, ensures transparency through reforms like the National Mineral Policy 2019 and MMDR Amendment Acts, and supports the use of technology in mineral exploration and data management. It works to balance resource extraction with environmental protection and community welfare, contributing significantly to India’s industrial and economic growth.
🎯 Mandate
- Formulate and implement policies for mineral exploration, development, and conservation.
- Ensure scientific and sustainable mining practices across India’s mineral sectors.
- Administer and amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR).
- Promote investment and transparency through reforms and digital platforms.
- Support geological surveys, mapping, and research for resource assessment.
- Monitor the welfare of mining-dependent communities and ensure environmental compliance.
- Coordinate with State Governments for mining leases and auction processes.
- Encourage value addition, mineral-based industries, and export competitiveness.
🌐 Official Website
🏢 Offices & Contacts
Headquarters:
Ministry of Mines
Shastri Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road,
New Delhi – 110001, India
Telephone: +91-11-23070264 / 23389322
Email: secy-mines@nic.in
Website: https://mines.gov.in
🏗️ Departments & Key Organisations
- Geological Survey of India (GSI): National geological mapping and exploration — https://gsi.gov.in
- Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM): Regulation, data management, and sustainable mining — https://ibm.gov.in
- National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO): Integrated aluminium producer — https://nalcoindia.com
- Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL): Copper mining and smelting — https://hindustancopper.com
- Mineral Exploration & Consultancy Limited (MECL): Mineral exploration and consultancy services — https://mecl.co.in
- National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET): Promotes and funds mineral exploration projects — https://nmet.gov.in
- National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM): R&D in rock engineering and mining — https://nirm.in
- Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act, 2020: Liberalization of the mining sector and ease of doing business.
- National Mineral Policy, 2019: Framework for sustainable development of India’s mineral resources.