4. Prospecting or mining operations to be under licence or lease.―(1) 6 [No person shall undertake any reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations in any area, except under and in accordance with the terms and conditions of a reconnaissance permit or of a prospecting licence 7 [or of a exploration licence] or, as the case may be, of a mining lease, granted under this Act and the rules made thereunder]: Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall affect any prospecting or mining operations undertaken in any area in accordance with terms and conditions of a prospecting licence 9 [or of a exploration licence], mining lease granted before the commencement of this Act which is in force at such commencement: 1. Ins. by Act 10 of 2015, s. 2 (w.e.f. 12-1-2015). 2. Ins. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 3 (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 3. Clause (ga) omitted by Act 16 of 2021, s. 3 (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 4. The word “and” omitted by Act 10 of 2015, s. 2 (w.e.f. 12-1-2015) 5. Subs. by Act 16 of 2023, s. 2, for clause (ha) (w.e.f. 17-8-2023). 6. Subs. by Act 38 of 1999, s. 5, for certain words (w.e.f. 18-12-1999). 7. Ins. by Act 16 of 2023, s. 3 (w.e.f. 17-8-2023). 6 1 [Provided further that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to any prospecting operations undertaken by the Geological Survey of India, the Indian Bureau of Mines, 2 [the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research] of the Department of Atomic Energy of the Central Government, the Directorates of Mining and Geology of any State Government (by whatever name called), and the Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited., a Government company within the meaning of 3 [clause (45) of section 2 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013), and any 4 [other entities including private entities that may be notified for this purpose, subject to such conditions as may be specified by the Central Government]]:] 5 [Provided also that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to any mining lease (whether called mining lease mining concession or by any other name) in force immediately before the commencement of this Act in the Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu.] 6 [(1A) No person shall transport or store or cause to be transported or stored any mineral otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder.] (2) 7 [No 8 [mineral concession]] shall be granted otherwise than in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder. 5 [(3)Any State Government may, after prior consultation with the Central Government and in accordance with the rule made under section 18, 9 [undertake reconnaissance, prospecting or mining operations with respect to any mineral specified in the First Schedule in any area within that State which is not already held under any 11[mineral concession]].] 10[ 11[4A.Termination of prospecting licences, exploration licences or mining leases.]―(1) Where the Central Government, after consultation with the State Government, is of opinion that it is expedient in the interest of regulation of mines and mineral development, preservation of natural environment, control of floods, prevention of pollution, or to avoid danger to public health or communications or to ensure safety of buildings, monuments or other structures or for conservation of mineral resources or for maintaining safety in the mines or for such other purposes, as the Central Government may deem fit, it may request the State Government to make a premature termination of a 12[prospecting licence or exploration licence] or mining lease in respect of any mineral other than a minor mineral in any area or part thereof, and, on receipt of such request, the State Government shall make an order making a premature termination of such 12[prospecting licence or exploration licence] or mining lease with respect to the area or any part thereof. (2) Where the State Government 13*** is of opinion that it is expedient in the interest of regulation of mines and mineral development, preservation of natural environment, control of floods, prevention of pollution or to avoid danger to public health or communications or to ensure safety of buildings, monuments or other structures or for such other purposes, as the State Government may deem fit, it may, by an order, in respect of any minor mineral, make premature termination of prospecting licence or mining lease with respect to the area or any part thereof covered by such licence or lease. 14[* * * * *] 1. Ins. by Act 37 of 1986, s. 2 (w.e.f. 10-2-1987). 2. Subs. by Act 38 of 1999, s. 5, for “the Atomic Minerals Division” (w.e.f. 18-12-1999). 3. Subs. by Act 10 of 2015, s. 3, for “section 617 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956)” (w.e.f. 12-1-2015). 4. Subs. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 4, for certain words (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 5. Ins. by Act 16 of 1987, s. 14 (w.e.f. 1-10-1963). 6. Ins. by Act 38 of 1999, s. 5 (w.e.f. 18-12-1999). 7. Subs. by s. 5, ibid., “No prospecting licence or mining lease” (w.e.f. 18-12-1999). 8. Subs. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 2, for “reconnaissance permit, prospecting licence or mining lease” (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 9. Subs. by Act 38 of 1999, s. 5, for certain words (w.e.f. 18-12-1999). 10. Subs. by Act 37 of 1986, s. 3, for section 4A (w.e.f. 10-2-1987). 11. Subs. by Act 16 of 2023, s. 4, for the marginal heading (w.e.f. 17-8-2023). 12. Subs. by s. 4, ibid., for “prospecting license” (w.e.f. 17-8-2023). 13. The words “, after consultation with the Central Government,” omitted by Act 25 of 1994, s. 2 (w.e.f. 25-1-1994). 14. Proviso omitted by Act 38 of 1999, s. 6 (w.e.f. 18-12-1999). 7 (3) No order making a premature termination of a prospecting licence 1 [or exploration licence] or mining lease shall be, made except after giving the holder of the licence or lease a reasonable opportunity of being heard. (4) Where the holder of a mining lease fails to undertake 2 [production and dispatch] for a period of 3 [two years] after the date of execution of the lease or having commenced 2 [production and dispatch], has discontinued the same for a period of 3 [two years], the lease shall lapse on the expiry of the period of 3 [two years] from the date of execution of the lease or, as the case may be, discontinuance of the 2 [production and dispatch]: 4 [Provided that the State Government may, on an application made by the holder of such lease before it lapses and on being satisfied that it shall not be possible for the holder of the lease to undertake production and dispatch or to continue such production and dispatch for reasons beyond his control, make anorder, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of such application,to extend the period of two years by a further period not exceeding one year andsuch extension shall not be granted for more than once during the entire periodof lease: Provided further that such lease shall lapse on failure to undertake production and dispatch or having commenced the production and dispatch fails to continue the same before the end of such extended period.] 5 [4B. Conditions for efficiency in production. Notwithstanding anything contained in section 4A, the Central Government may, in the interest of maintaining sustained production of minerals in the country, prescribe such conditions as may be necessary for commencement and continuation of production by the holders of mining leases who have acquired rights, approvals, clearances and the like under section 8B.] 6 [ 7 [5. Restrictions on the grant of mineral concession.]―8 [(1) A State Government shall not grant a 9 [mineral concession] to any person unless such person― (a) is an Indian national, or company as defined in 10[clause (20) of section 2 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013)]; and (b) satisfies such conditions as may be prescribed: 11[Provided that in respect of any mineral specified in Part A and Part B of the First Schedule, no reconnaissance permit, prospecting licence or mining lease shall be granted except with the previous approval of the Central Government.] 12[Provided further that the previous approval of the Central Government shall not be required for grant of 9 [mineral concession] in respect of the minerals specified in Part A of the First Schedule, where,— (i) an allocation order has been issued by the Central Government under section 11A; or (ii) a notification of reservation of area has been issued by the Central Government or the State Government under sub-section (1A) or sub-section (2) of section 17A; or (iii) a vesting order or an allotment order has been issued by the Central Government under the provisions of the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (11 of 2015).] 1. Ins. by Act 16 of 2023, s. 4 (w.e.f. 17-8-2023). 2. Subs. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 5, for “mining operations” (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 3. Subs. by Act 25 of 1994, s. 2, for “one year” (w.e.f. 25-1-1994). 4. The provisos first, second, third and fourth subs. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 5 (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 5. Ins. by Act 2 of 2020, s. 2 (w.e.f. 10-1-2020). 6. Subs. by Act 37 of 1986, s. 4, for section 5 (w.e.f. 10-2-1987). 7. Subs. by Act 16 of 2023, s. 5, for the marginal heading (w.e.f. 17-8-2023). 8. Subs. by Act 25 of 1994, s. 3, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 25-1-1994). 9. Subs. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 2, “reconnaissance permit, prospecting licence or mining lease” (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 10. Subs. by Act 10 of 2015, s. 5, for “sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956)” (w.e.f. 12-1-2015). 11. Subs. by s. 5, ibid., for the proviso (w.e.f. 12-1-2015). 12. Ins. by Act 2 of 2020, s. 3 (w.e.f. 10-1-2020). 8 Explanation.―For the purposes of this sub-section, a person shall be deemed to be an Indian national,― (a) in the case of a firm or other association of individuals, only if all the members of the firm or members of the association are citizens of India; and (b) in the case of an individual, only if he is a citizen of India.] 1 [Provided also that the composite licence or mining lease shall not be granted for an area to any person other than the Government, Government company or corporation, in respect of any minerals specified in Part B of the First Schedule where the grade of such mineral in such area is equal to or above such threshold value as may be notified by the Central Government.] (2) No mining lease shall be granted by the State Government unless it is satisfied that― 2 [(a) there is evidence to show the existence of mineral contents in the area for which the application for a mining lease has been made in accordance with such parameters as may be prescribed for this purpose by the Central Government;] (b) there is a mining plan duly approved by the Central Government, or by the State Government, in respect of such category of mines as may be specified by the Central Government, for the development of mineral deposits in the area concerned:] 3 [Provided that a mining lease may be granted upon the filing of a mining plan in accordance with a system established by the State Government for preparation, certification, and monitoring of such plan, with the approval of the Central Government.] 4 [6. Maximum area for which mineral concession may be granted.]―5 [(1) No person shall acquire 6*** in respect of any mineral or prescribed group of associated minerals 7 [in a State]― (a) one or more prospecting licences covering a total area of more than twenty-five square kilometres; or 7 [(aa) one or more reconnaissance permit covering a total area often thousand square kilometres: Provided that the area granted under a single reconnaissance permit shall not exceed five thousand square kilometers; or] 8 [(ab) one or more exploration licences covering a total area of more than five thousand square kilometres: Provided that the area granted under a single exploration licence shall not exceed one thousand square kilometres;] (b) one or more mining leases covering a total area of more than ten square kilometres: 9 [Provided that if the Central Government is of the opinion that in the interest of the development of any mineral or industry, it is necessary so to do, it may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, increase the aforesaid area limits in respect of prospecting licence or mining lease, in so far as it pertains to any particular mineral, or to any specified category of deposits of such mineral, or to any particular mineral located in any particular area.]] 10[(c) any 11[mineral concession] in respect of any area which is not compact or contiguous: Provided that if the State Government is of opinion that in the interests of the development of any mineral, it is necessary so to do, it may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, permit any person to acquire a 11 [mineral concession] in relation to any area which is not compact or contiguous.] 1. Ins. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 6 (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 2. Subs. by Act 10 of 2015, s. 5, for clause (a) (w.e.f. 12-1-2015). 3. Ins. by s. 5, ibid. (w.e.f. 12-1-2015). 4. Subs by Act 16 of 2023, s. 6, for the marginal headin. (w.e.f. 17-8-2023). 5. Subs. by Act 56 of 1972, s. 3, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 12-9-1972). 6. The words “in any one State” omitted by Act 37 of 1986, s. 5 (w.e.f. 10-2-1987). 7. Ins. by Act 38 of 1999, s. 8 (w.e.f. 18-12-1999). 8. Ins. by Act 16 of 2023, s. 6 (w.e.f. 17-8-2023). 9. Subs. by Act 10 of 2015, s. 6, for the proviso (w.e.f. 12-1-2015). 10. Subs. by Act 38 of 1999, s. 8, for clause (c) (w.e.f. 18-12-1999). 11. Subs. by Act 16 of 2023, s. 6, for “reconnaissance permit, mining lease or prospecting licence” (w.e.f. 17-8-2023). 9 (2) For the purposes of this section, a person acquiring by, or in the name of, another person a 1 [mineral concession] which is intended for himself shall be deemed to be acquiring it himself. 2 [(3) For the purposes of determining the total area referred to in sub-section (1), the area held under a 1 [mineral concession] by a person as a member of a co-operative society, company or other corporation or a Hindu undivided family or a partner of a firm, shall be deducted from the area referred to in subsection (1) so that the sum total of the area held by such person, under a 1 [mineral concession], whether as such member or partner, or individually, may not, in any case, exceed the total area specified in subsection (1).] 3 [7. Periods for which prospecting licences may be granted or renewed.―(1) The period for which 4 [a reconnaissance permit or prospecting licence] may be granted shall not exceed three years. (2) A prospecting licence shall, if the State Government is satisfied that a longer period is required to enable the licensee to complete prospecting operations be renewed for such period or periods as that Government may specify: Provided that the total period for which a prospecting licence is granted does not exceed five years: Provided further that no prospecting licence granted in respect of 5 [a mineral included in Part A and Part B to] the First Schedule shall be renewed except with the previous approval of the Central Government.] 6 [8. Periods for which mining leases may be granted or renewed.―(1) The provisions of this section shall apply to minerals specified in Part A of the First Schedule. (2) The maximum period for which a mining lease may be granted shall not exceed thirty years: Provided that the minimum period for which any such mining lease may be granted shall not be less than twenty years. (3) A mining lease may be renewed for a period not exceeding twenty years with the previous approval of the Central Government.] 7 [(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, in case of Government companies or corporations, the period of mining leases including the existing mining leases, shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government: Provided that the period of mining leases, other than the mining leases grantedthrough auction, shall be extended on payment ofsuch additional amount as specified in the Fifth Schedule: Provided further that the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette and for reasons to be recorded in writing, amend the Fifth Schedule so as to modify the entries mentioned therein in the said Schedule with effect from such date as may be specified in the said notification. (5) Any lessee may, where coal or lignite is used for captive purpose, sell suchcoal or lignite up to fifty per cent. of the total coal or lignite produced in a year aftermeeting the requirement of the end use plant linked with the mine in such manner as may be prescribed by the Central Government and on payment of such additional amount as specified in the Sixth Schedule: Provided that the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette and for the reasons to be recorded in writing, increase the said percentage of coal orlignite that may be sold by a Government company or corporation: 1. Subs. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 2, “reconnaissance permit, prospecting licence or mining lease” (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 2. Ins. by Act 56 of 1972, s. 3 (w.e.f. 12-9-1972). 3. Subs. by Act 25 of 1994, s. 4, for section 7 (w.e.f. 25-1-1994). 4. Subs. by Act 38 of 1999, s. 9, for “a prospecting licence” (w.e.f. 18-12-1999). 5. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for “a mineral included in” (w.e.f. 18-12-1999). 6. Subs. by Act 10 of 2015, s. 7, for section 8 (w.e.f. 12-1-2015). 7. Ins. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 7 (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 10 Provided further that the sale of coal shall not be allowed from the coal mines allotted to a company or corporation that has been awarded a power project on the basis of competitive bid for tariff (including Ultra Mega Power Projects): Provided also that the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette and for reasons to be recorded in writing, amend the Sixth Schedule so as tomodify the entries mentioned therein with effect from such date as may be specified inthe said notification.] 1 [8A. Period of grant of a mining lease for minerals other than coal, lignite and atomic minerals.―(1) The provisions of this section shall apply to minerals other than those specified in Part A and Part B of the First Schedule. (2) On and from the date of the commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 (10 of 2015), all mining leases shall be granted for the period of fifty years. (3) All mining leases granted before the commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 (10 of 2015) shall be deemed to have been granted for a period of fifty years. (4) On the expiry of the lease period, the lease shall be put up for auction as per the procedure specified in this Act. 2 [Provided that nothing contained in this section shall prevent the State Governments from taking an advance action for auction of the mining lease before the expiry of the lease period.] (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (2), (3) and sub-section (4), the period of lease granted before the date of commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 (10 of 2015), where mineral is used for captive purpose, shall be extended and be deemed to have been extended up to a period ending on the 31st March, 2030 with effect from the date of expiry of the period of renewal last made or till the completion of renewal period, if any, or a period of fifty years from the date of grant of such lease, whichever is later, subject to the condition that all the terms and conditions of the lease have been complied with. (6) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (2), (3) and sub-section (4), the period of lease granted before the date of commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 (10 of 2015), where mineral is used for other than captive purpose, shall be extended and be deemed to have been extended up to a period ending on the 31st March, 2020 with effect from the date of expiry of the period of renewal last made or till the completion of renewal period, if any, or a period of fifty years from the date of grant of such lease, whichever is later, subject to the condition that all the terms and conditions of the lease have been complied with. (7) Any holder of a lease granted, where mineral is used for captive purpose, shall have the right of first refusal at the time of auction held for such lease after the expiry of the lease period. 3 [(7A) Any lessee may, where mineral is used for captive purpose, sell mineral up to fifty per cent. of the total mineral produced in a year after meetingthe requirement of the end use plant linked with the mine in such manner as may be prescribed by the Central Government and on payment of such additional amount as specified in the Sixth Schedule: Provided that the Central Government may, by notification in the OfficialGazette and for the reasonsto be recorded in writing, increase the said percentageof mineral that may be sold by a Government company or corporation: Provided further that the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette and for reasons to be recorded in writing, amend the Sixth Schedule so as to modify the entries mentioned therein with effect from such date as may be specified in the said notification.] 1. Ins. by Act 10 of 2015, s. 8 (w.e.f. 12-1-2015). 2. Ins. by Act 2 of 2020, s. 4 (w.e.f. 10-1-2020). 3. Ins. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 8 (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 11 (8) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the period of mining leases, including existing mining leases, of Government companies or corporations shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government. 1 [Provided that the period of mining leases, other than the mining leases granted through auction,shall be extended on payment ofsuch additional amount as specified in the Fifth Schedule: Provided further that the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette and for reasons to be recorded in writing, amend the Fifth Schedule so as to modify the entries mentioned therein with effect from such date as maybe specified in the said notification. Explanation.—For the removal of doubts, it is hereby clarified that all such Government companies or corporations whose mining lease has been extended after the commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 (10 of 2015), shall also pay such additional amount as specified in the Fifth Schedule for the mineral produced after the commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021.] (9) The provisions of this section, notwithstanding anything contained therein, shall not apply to a mining lease granted before the date of commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 (10 of 2015), for which renewal has been rejected, or which has been determined, or lapsed.] 2 [8B. Provisions for period and transfer of statutory clearances.―(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for the time being in force, all valid rights, approvals, clearances, licences and the like grantedto a lessee in respect of a mine (other than those granted under the provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of 1962) and the rules made thereunder) shall continue to be valid even after expiry or termination of lease and such rights, approvals, clearances, licences and the like shall be transferred to, and vested; subject to the conditions provided under such laws; in the successful bidder of the mining lease selected through auction under this Act: Provided that where on the expiry of such lease period, mining lease has not been executed pursuant to an auction under provisions of sub-section (4) of section 8A, or lease executed pursuant to such auction has been terminated within aperiod of one year from such auction, the State Government may, with the previousapproval of the Central Government, grant lease to a Government company or corporation for a period not exceeding ten years or till selection of new lessee throughauction, whichever is earlier and such Government company or corporation shall be deemed to have acquired all valid rights, approvals, clearances, licences and the like vested with the previous lessee: Provided further that the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 6 shall not apply where such mining lease is granted to a Government company or corporation under the first proviso: Provided also that in case of atomic minerals having grade equal to or above thethreshold value, all valid rights, approvals, clearances, licences and the like in respectof expired or terminated mining leases shall be deemed to have been transferred to, and vested in the Government company or corporation that has been subsequently granted the mining lease for the said mine. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being inforce, itshall be lawful for the new lessee to continue mining operations on the land till expiry or termination of mining lease granted to it, in which mining operations were being carried out by the previous lessee.] 9. Royalties in respect of mining leases.―(1) The holder of a mining lease granted before the commencement of this Act shall, notwithstanding anything contained in the instrument of lease or in any law in force at such commencement, pay royalty in respect of any 3 [mineral removed or consumed by him or by his agent, manager, employee, contractor or sub-lessee] from the leased area after such commencement, at the rate for the time being specified in the Second Schedule in respect of that mineral. (2) The holder of a mining lease granted on or after the commencement of this Act shall pay royalty in respect of any 3 [mineral removed or consumed by him or by his agent, manager, employee, contractor or sub-lessee] from the leased area at the rate for the time being specified in the Second Schedule in respect of that mineral. 1. Ins. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 8 (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 2. Ins. by s. 9, ibid., (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 3. Subs. by Act 56 of 1972, s. 4, for “mineral removed by him” (w.e.f. 12-9-1972). 12 1 [(2A) The holder of a mining lease, whether granted before or after the commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 1972 (56 of 1972) shall not be liable to pay any royalty in respect of any coal consumed by a workman engaged in a colliery provided that such consumption by the workman does not exceed one-third of a tonne per month.] (3) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, amend the Second Schedule so as to enhance or reduce the rate at which royalty shall be payable in respect of any mineral with effect from such date as may be specified in the notification: 2 [Provided that the Central Government shall not enhance the rate of royalty in respect of any mineral more than once during any period of 3 [three years].] 4 [9A. Dead rent to be paid by the lessee.―(1) The holder of a mining lease, whether granted before or after the commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Amendment Act, 1972, shall notwithstanding anything contained in the instrument of lease or in any other law for the lime being in force, pay to the State Government, every year, dead rent at such rate, as may be specified, for the time being, in the Third Schedule, for all the areas included in the instrument of lease: Provided that where the holder of such mining lease becomes liable, under section 9, to pay royalty for any mineral removed or consumed by him or by his agent, manager, employee, contractor or sub-lessee from the leased area, he shall be liable to pay either such royalty, or the dead rent in respect of that area, whichever is greater. (2) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, amend the Third Schedule so as to enhance or reduce the rate at which the dead rent shall be payable in respect of any area covered by a mining lease and such enhancement or reduction shall take effect from such date as may be specified in the notification: Provided that the Central Government shall not enhance the rate of the dead rent in respect of any such area more than once during any period of 5 [three years].] 6 [9B. District Mineral Foundation.―(1) In any district affected by mining related operations, the State Government shall, by notification, establish a trust, as a non-profit body, to be called the District Mineral Foundation. (2) The object of the District Mineral Foundation shall be to work for the interest and benefit of persons, and areas affected by mining related operations in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Government. (3) The composition and functions of the District Mineral Foundation shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government. 7 [Provided that the Central Government may give directions regarding composition and utilisation of fund by the District Mineral Foundation.] (4) The State Government while making rules under sub-sections (2) and (3) shall be guided by the provisions contained in article 244 read with Fifth and Sixth Schedules to the Constitution relating to administration of the Scheduled Areas and Tribal Areas and the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension 1. Ins. by Act 56 of 1972, s. 4 (w.e.f. 12-9-1972). 2. Subs. by Act 56 of 1972, s. 4, for the proviso (w.e.f. 12-9-1972). 3. Subs. by Act 37 of 1986, s. 8, for “four years” (w.e.f. 10-2-1987). 4. Ins. by Act 56 of 1972, s. 5 (w.e.f. 12-9-1972). 5. Subs. by Act 37 of 1986, s. 9, for “four years” (w.e.f. 10-2-1987). 6. Ins. by Act 10 of 2015, s. 9 (w.e.f. 12-1-2015). 7. Ins. by Act 16 of 2021, s. 10 (w.e.f. 28-3-2021). 13 to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (40 of 1996) and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (2 of 2007). (5) The holder of a mining lease or a 1 [composite licence] granted on or after the date of commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 2 [, other than those covered under the provisions of sub-section (2) of section 10A], shall, in addition to the royalty, pay to the District Mineral Foundation of the district in which the mining operations are carried on, an amount which is equivalent to such percentage of the royalty paid in terms of the Second Schedule, not exceeding one-third of such royalty, as may be prescribed by the Central Government. (6) The holder of a mining lease granted before the date of commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 3 [other than those covered under the provisions of sub-section (2) of section 10A], shall, in addition to the royalty, pay to the District Mineral Foundation of the district in which the mining operations are carried on, an amount not exceeding the royalty paid in terms of the Second Schedule in such manner and subject to the categorisation of the mining leases and the amounts payable by the various categories of lease holders, as may be prescribed by the Central Government. 9C. National Mineral Exploration Trust.―(1) The Central Government shall, by notification, establish a Trust, as a 4 [non-profit autonomous body], to be called the National Mineral Exploration Trust. (2) The object of the Trust shall be to use the funds accrued to the Trust for the purposes of regional and detailed exploration in such manner as may be prescribed by the Central Government. (3) The composition and functions of the Trust shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government. (4) The holder of a mining lease or a 5 [mineral concession] shall pay to the Trust, a sum equivalent to two per cent. of the royalty paid in terms of the Second Schedule, in such manner as may be prescribed by the Central Government.] 6 [(5) The entities specified and notified under sub-section (1) of section 4 shall be eligible for funding under the National Mineral Exploration Trust.]