New Delhi, 12 August (H.S.): The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, by a voice vote amid protests by Opposition members. The legislation was approved without a detailed discussion, following which the House was adjourned until 11 a.m. on August 13.

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy moved the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha for consideration and passage.

The Bill was subsequently passed by voice vote amid continued Opposition disruptions, without the proposed legislation being taken up for a detailed debate.

The legislation seeks to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, with the stated objective of promoting the exploration of critical minerals in the country and making the mining sector more conducive to investment.

The passage of the Bill came amid continued disruptions in Parliament, with Opposition members raising various issues and protesting during the proceedings.

The government has maintained that strengthening the framework governing critical minerals is important for enhancing domestic exploration and reducing vulnerabilities in the supply of minerals considered strategically important for India’s economic and industrial development.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar