1️⃣ Background & Recent Decision
Ministry of Mines Notification (20th Feb 2025):
The Ministry of Mines has reclassified Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz as major minerals, shifting them from the minor minerals category. This decision aligns with India’s goal of enhancing critical mineral mining.
National Critical Mineral Mission (Approved on 29th Jan 2025):
This mission aims to explore, mine, and recover critical minerals within India, including those found in pegmatite rocks associated with these newly reclassified minerals.
2️⃣ Why This Change?
Quartz, Felspar, and Mica:
- Found in pegmatite rocks, which contain critical minerals such as Lithium, Beryl, Niobium, Tantalum, Tin, Tungsten, etc.
- Issue: When leased as minor minerals, miners focus on ceramics/glass production, ignoring critical mineral extraction.
- Impact: Essential minerals remain unextracted and unreported, leading to resource wastage.
Baryte:
- Used in oil & gas drilling, electronics, radiation shielding, rubber, paints, glass, ceramics, and medical applications.
- Issue: Often occurs with Antimony, Copper, Lead, Silver, etc.
- Impact: When mined as a minor mineral, associated minerals go unutilized, reducing resource efficiency.
3️⃣ Expected Benefits of Reclassification
✅ More Exploration & Scientific Mining: Enhanced regulation will ensure systematic extraction of valuable minerals.
✅ Better Resource Utilization: Ensures Lithium, Beryl, Niobium, and other rare minerals are not wasted.
✅ Longer Lease Periods:
- Major mineral leases extended to 50 years under the MMDR Act, 1957.
✅ Revenue & Regulation:
- Revenue remains with State Governments.
- Mines will register with the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) for better oversight.
✅ Transition Period:
- Leaseholders have 4 months (till 30th June 2025) to comply with new regulations.
What Are Major and Minor Minerals?
Major Minerals
- Definition: Minerals with high economic value, used in industrial applications, energy production, and metallurgy.
- Regulation: Controlled by the Central Government under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
- Examples:
- Metallic Minerals: Iron ore, Copper, Bauxite, Gold, Manganese, Zinc, Lead.
- Energy Minerals: Coal, Lignite, Uranium.
- Industrial Minerals: Limestone, Rare Earth Elements, Graphite, Gypsum.
Minor Minerals
- Definition: Minerals with lower economic value, mainly used in construction, local industries, and ornamental purposes.
- Regulation: Controlled by State Governments under the MMDR Act, allowing them to grant leases and regulate mining activities.
- Examples:
- Building Materials: Sand, Gravel, Stone, Marble.
- Non-Metallic Minerals: Dolomite, Mica, Quartz, Felspar, Clay (until reclassified as major minerals).
Conclusion
The reclassification of Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz as major minerals will enhance scientific mining, ensure the extraction of associated critical minerals, and boost India’s strategic mineral resources. This move aligns with India’s long-term goals of self-reliance in critical minerals and sustainable resource utilization.
Reference: PIB
