The Ministry of Mines on March 17, 2021 has issued the Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2021 to further amend the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015.
The following amendments have been made:
• Rules 15 (2) (c), which specifies the commencement date of the auction of the mining lease, has been inserted, namely:
“the scheduled date of commencement of production in case of auction of mining lease in respect of an area having existence of mineral contents established in accordance with rule 5 of the Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, 2015.”
• Rule 13 (2), which specifies the payment by the lessee for the quantity of mineral produced, a new proviso has been inserted, namely:
“Provided that in case of auction of mining lease in respect of an area having existence of mineral contents established in accordance with rule 5 of the Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Rules, 2015, the lessee shall pay only fifty per cent. of the amount quoted under rule 8, for the quantity of mineral produced and dispatched earlier than the scheduled date of commencement of production as given in the tender document.
Provided further that for such quantity of mineral produced and dispatched, other payments as specified in sub-rules (1), (3) and (4) shall be payable in full and the successful bidder shall obtain all necessary approvals, permissions, licences and the like as may be required under any law for the time being in force for starting early production.”
[Notification No. G.S.R. 195 (E)]
