Panel Urges Faster Mine Start-Ups After Auctions

23 Dec 2025 CW Team

A Parliamentary panel has flagged persistent delays between mine auctions and the start of operations, urging the government to consider setting up an inter-ministerial committee to monitor post-auction progress for mineral and critical mineral projects.

In its latest report, Self-Reliance in Minerals and Metals, the Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel said that despite policy initiatives and simplified exploration norms, projects continue to face hurdles due to lengthy regulatory clearances, inadequate exploration, forest clearances even at the exploration stage, and significant time lags between auctions and operationalisation.

The committee recommended prioritising critical mineral projects for statutory approvals and proposed an inter-ministerial group to oversee post-auction milestones with a mandate to fast-track mine development. It also suggested considering penalties for delayed operationalisation and incentives for faster production to improve compliance and efficiency.

Acknowledging reforms undertaken between 2015 and 2023, the panel noted substantial changes to modernise India’s mineral sector regulatory framework. Key amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act included introducing auctions for granting mineral concessions, setting a uniform lease period of 50 years in place of renewals, notifying private exploration agencies, and amending the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act to allocate operating rights through auctions.

Since 2015, a total of 486 mineral blocks have been auctioned, including 462 by state governments and 24 by the Centre. The committee said closing the gap between allocation and production is critical to securing mineral supplies and advancing self-reliance goals.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..