Mining and Forest Resources — Legal Reforms

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
Forest Conservation Act, 1980 (amended as Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam)	2023	The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023, renamed as Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 2023, introduced changes to the scope of land requiring FCA clearance. It exempted certain categories of land, such as forest land along railway lines and public roads, and land up to 100 km from international borders for strategic projects, from the purview of the Act. It also clarified that the Act applies to land recorded as forest on or after October 25, 1980, and to land notified as a forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, or any other law.	Aims to streamline forest clearances for infrastructure and strategic projects, potentially reducing delays. However, critics argue it may dilute forest protection, especially for deemed forests and ecologically sensitive border areas, potentially increasing 'mining forest resources UPSC' conflicts and 'environmental security challenges India' by reducing oversight.
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957	2015	The MMDR Amendment Act, 2015, brought significant reforms by introducing an auction-based regime for granting mining leases for major minerals, replacing the earlier discretionary system. It also established the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) in every district affected by mining-related operations to work for the welfare of affected people and areas, and the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) to promote exploration.	Increased transparency and reduced discretion in mineral allocation, aiming to curb corruption. The DMF aims to address local grievances and ensure benefits reach mining-affected communities, potentially mitigating 'mining conflicts tribal areas' and improving 'tribal rights mining projects conflict resolution'.
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957	2021	The MMDR Amendment Act, 2021, further liberalized the mining sector by allowing captive mines to sell up to 50% of their annual mineral production in the open market. It also removed the distinction between captive and non-captive mines, rationalized stamp duty, and facilitated easier transfer of mining leases.	Aimed at boosting mineral production, increasing ease of doing business, and attracting private investment in the mining sector. However, it raises concerns about increased pressure on forest lands and potential for intensified 'resource exploitation and conflict' if environmental and social safeguards are not rigorously enforced.
Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act	2015	Enacted after the Supreme Court cancelled 204 coal block allocations in 2014, this Act provided for the allocation of coal mines through a transparent auction and allotment process. It ensured continuity in coal production and established a framework for future allocations.	Brought transparency and accountability to coal block allocation, reducing discretionary practices. It aimed to stabilize the coal sector, but the environmental and social impacts of 'coal mining forest land diversion rules' remain a significant concern, especially in tribal-dominated forest areas.