The Ministry of Mines (MoM), on April 10, 2026, issued a public consultation notice proposing amendments to the Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, 2015 to relax exploration norms for auctioning mineral blocks of Felspar, Mica, and Quartz for grant of mining leases. The proposal follows the reclassification of these minerals as major minerals in February 2025 due to their association with critical and rare elements such as lithium and rare earth elements.
The draft amendments propose differentiated exploration norms based on mineral associations. Deposits of Felspar, Mica, and Quartz not linked with critical minerals or high purity quartz may be auctioned at G3 exploration level (aligned with gemstone norms), while deposits associated with critical minerals or high purity quartz will require a higher G2 level of exploration (aligned with rare metal/REE norms). Additionally, certain non-associated occurrences are proposed to be included in Schedule II of the rules. The amendment also introduces a definition for “high purity quartz” (SiO₂ > 99.99% with impurities below 50 ppm).
The Ministry has invited comments and suggestions from stakeholders, including State Governments, industry participants, and the public, by May 10, 2026, through email or post. The proposed amendments aim to facilitate ease of auctioning mineral blocks while ensuring appropriate regulatory oversight based on mineral characteristics.
[Notification No. 16/118/2025-Mines VI]
