Parliament Approves Minerals Amendment Bill

Parliament has passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, significantly restricting the powers of State Governments to impose taxes, cess and other charges on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 12 and approved by the Rajya Sabha on August 13. It will become law after receiving the President’s assent.

The legislation also bars States from recovering pending past dues related to mineral taxes, while clarifying that taxes and levies already collected will not be refunded. The Centre said the reform is aimed at creating a uniform and predictable taxation framework, encouraging investment in the mining sector and increasing mineral production across the country.