As per the reforms of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, how many minerals have been removed from the list of atomic minerals?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. 6.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023 removed six minerals from the list of atomic minerals (Part B, First Schedule), namely lithium, titanium, beryllium, niobium, tantalum, and zirconium. Previously, exploration and mining of these minerals were reserved for public sector undertakings. The amendment now allows private sector participation, opening exploration and mining opportunities for these critical minerals. This reform aims to boost domestic availability, reduce import reliance, and support India’s clean energy, electronics, space, and EV battery industries, while driving growth and technological advancement in the mining sector.