New mining law after 4 decades proposes fines of up to Rs 10 million

The government is preparing to amend the Mines and Minerals Act to impose fines of up to Rs 10 million on anyone who explores or extracts minerals without obtaining a licence.

The government is moving to amend the Mines and Minerals Act after four decades. The Mines and Minerals Bill formulated to amend and consolidate laws relating to mines and minerals, presented by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies in the House of Representatives, will replace the Mines and Minerals Act 1985.