The past week has been eventful for the mining and minerals sector. From major policy reforms in India to billion-rupee corporate deals, and from global events shaping the future of mining to ongoing legal battles, the industry has seen a mix of progress, challenges, and controversies.
Here are the top 10 mining news updates of the week.
1. Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill Passed
The Parliament of India has passed the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025. The Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 11, 2025, and approved by the Rajya Sabha on August 19, 2025.
The key highlight of the amendment is that leaseholders can now add other minerals, including critical ones such as lithium, cobalt, and gold, into their existing mining leases. This reform is a major step under the government’s National Critical Minerals Mission.
The Bill also expands the role of the National Mineral Exploration Trust, allowing it to fund exploration and development not only in India but also overseas. Contributions to the trust have been increased from 2% to 3% of royalty.
This change is expected to attract more investment, support India’s energy transition, and reduce dependency on imports of essential minerals.
2. Vedanta Acquires Jaiprakash Associates
In a significant corporate development, Vedanta has outbid Adani to acquire debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates (JAL).
- Bid value: ₹17,000 crore
- Net present value (NPV): About ₹12,500 crore
- Creditors’ claims: ₹57,185 crore
Jaiprakash Associates, once a leading player in cement, infrastructure, and real estate, was admitted into insolvency proceedings in June 2024. The deal marks one of the largest insolvency resolutions in the mining and infrastructure sector.
Vedanta’s aggressive bid highlights its focus on expanding its portfolio and strengthening its position in the Indian market.
3. Government Push for Critical Minerals Recycling
The Modi government has announced a ₹1,500 crore scheme to build recycling capacity for critical minerals. These minerals — such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earths — are essential for electric vehicles, battery storage, renewable energy technologies, and defense.
The scheme will encourage the setting up of recycling plants and help India reduce its dependence on imported raw materials and this aligns with India’s strategy of building a secure and sustainable supply chain for its green economy.
4. Tata Steel’s ₹1,902 Crore Mining Case
The long-pending case against Tata Steel over a ₹1,902 crore demand continues in court and the case has been dragging for months, and no final decision has been reached yet.
The outcome will be closely watched by the industry, as it may have wider implications for how mining demand cases are resolved in the future.
5. Glencore’s Coal Mine Extension in Australia
In international news, the Australian government has granted Glencore approval to extend the life of one of its major thermal coal mines.
The decision has sparked debate: while the extension supports jobs and regional economies, it also raises concerns about climate commitments and carbon emissions. This is another example of the global balancing act between economic development and sustainability.
6. Mining Indaba 2026 Announced
Africa’s biggest mining conference, ‘Mining Indaba 2026, has been announced that the event promises to “redefine Africa’s mining future” and will focus on critical minerals, energy transition, and sustainable development.
Mining Indaba has long been the key platform for investors, governments, and mines companies to shape the direction of the African mining sector. The 2026 edition is expected to attract global attention.
7. IMARC 2025 to Be Held in Sydney
Another major global event on the horizon is the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC 2025), which will be hosted in Sydney.
IMARC is one of the largest mines gatherings in the world, bringing together ministers, industry leaders, and investors. The 2025 conference is expected to cover key themes such as green technology, digital technology in mines, and critical mineral strategies.
8. Illegal Mining Linked to Punjab Floods, Says Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, after visiting the flood-affected areas of Punjab, attributed the devastating flooding to illegal mining along riverbeds and floodplains of major rivers—Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and Ghaggar. He explained that unregulated over the years has weakened the embankments, allowing floodwaters to breach into nearby villages. Chouhan announced plans to compile a detailed damage report and submit it to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also stressed the urgent need to rebuild and strengthen river embankments to prevent similar disasters in the future.
References:
The Times of India. (2025, September 5). Opposition targets Ajit Pawar over video ordering cop to stop illegal action surfaces. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/oppn-targets-ajit-pawar-over-video-ordering-cop-to-stop-illegal-action-surfaces/articleshow/123706358.cms
News On Air. (2025, September 3). Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill gives liberty to leaseholder to add other minerals in existing lease. Retrieved from https://www.newsonair.gov.in/mines-and-minerals-amendment-bill-gives-liberty-to-leaseholder-to-add-other-minerals-in-existing-lease/
The Economic Times. (2025, September 5). Vedanta beats Adani for acquisition of Jaiprakash Associates. Retrieved from https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/vedanta-beats-adani-for-acquisition-of-jaiprakash-associates/articleshow/123721375.cms
ABP Live. (2025, September 4). Modi govt new push: ₹1500 cr scheme for critical minerals recycling capacity. Retrieved from https://news.abplive.com/news/india/modi-govt-new-push-rs-1500-cr-scheme-for-critical-minerals-recycling-capacity-1798374
Investing.com. (2025, September 5). Tata Steel’s court case over ₹1902 crore mining demand continues. Retrieved from https://in.investing.com/news/company-news/tata-steels-court-case-over-1902-crore-mining-demand-continues-93CH-4994898
Mining Technology. (2025, September 5). Australia approves extension of Glencore’s thermal coal mine. Retrieved from https://www.mining-technology.com/news/australia-extension-glencore-thermal-coal-mine/
The Times of India. (2025, September 6). Punjab minister Goyal refutes claims that illegal mining caused floods. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/pb-min-goyal-refutes-claims-that-illegal-mining-caused-floods/articleshow/123739791.cms
SAP News Center Africa. (2025, September 5). Mining Indaba 2026 set to redefine Africa’s future. Retrieved from https://news.sap.com/africa/2025/09/mining-indaba-2026-set-to-redefine-africas-mining-future/
Global Mining Review. (2025, September 5). IMARC 2025: Global mining leaders and ministers to convene in Sydney. Retrieved from https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/05092025/imarc-2025-global-mining-leaders-and-ministers-to-convene-in-sydney/
The Times of India. (2025, September 5). Opposition targets Ajit Pawar over video ordering cop to stop illegal action surfaces. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/oppn-targets-ajit-pawar-over-video-ordering-cop-to-stop-illegal-action-surfaces/articleshow/123706358.cms
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