13 Essential Mining Stories for Industry Leaders

In today's news on mining, Press Monitor's tracking of Indian publications reveals a landscape shifting under regulatory, environmental, and market pressures. From a historic uranium mining ban in Meghalaya to state-level rebellions over the amended MMDR Act, these 13 stories capture the key developments every mining professional needs to know. Here's your essential media monitoring roundup, powered by print media intelligence across India's top dailies.

1. Meghalaya Assembly Unanimously Bans Uranium Mining

A front-page report in Hindustan Times says... The Meghalaya Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing uranium mining and uranium ore-processing facilities in the state. The decision was moved by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, reflecting long-standing concerns from communities in Domiasiat, Wahkijn, and Lostoin where uranium deposits exist. The government will communicate the resolution to the Centre and urge respect for tribal community sentiments. The Meghalaya Assembly passed a resolution opposing all uranium mining and ore-processing in the state, moved by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. The decision affects deposits in Domiasiat, Wahkijn, and Lostoin. - Why it matters: Tribal rights and public health concerns have prevailed over the central government's push for nuclear fuel self-sufficiency. The resolution will be communicated to the Centre. -

Source: Hindustan Times, also covered by Free Press Journal, The Hindu, Sentinel, Millennium Post (9 total editions).

2. Govt Raises Rs 55,700 Crore from Hindustan Copper Stake Sale

A front-page report in Deccan Chronicle says the Indian government has raised four thousand five hundred fifty seven hundred crore rupees from the sale of its stake in Hindustan Copper, bringing the total divestment proceeds for the fiscal year to close to the seventy eight lakh crore rupee target. The report attributes this success to buoyant equity capital markets and elevated commodity prices, noting that the copper price has risen sixteen percent this year on the London Metal Exchange, reaching a record high. The Indian government's divestment of Hindustan Copper shares raised Rs 55,700 crore, bringing total fiscal year proceeds near the Rs 78 lakh crore target. Buoyant equity markets and a 16% rise in copper prices on the LME supported the sale. - Why it matters: Sets a precedent for future PSU mining divestments and reflects strong investor appetite in the metals sector. -

Source: Deccan Chronicle (front page).

3. India's Rare Earth Opportunity

A front-page report in Economic Times says India has the world’s third-largest rare-earth deposits but the processing remains the critical bottleneck. China accounts for more than 90 percent of global processing capacity. India’s critical mineral race enters a new phase with a vision to become a global force in mineral processing. Economic Times reports India holds the world's third-largest rare-earth deposits, but China controls over 90% of global processing. India's critical mineral race enters a new phase as it aims for processing self-reliance. - Why it matters: Reduces dependency on China for rare earths, crucial for defence, electronics, and green energy. -

Source: Economic Times (front page).

4. Goa Challenges Amended MMDR Act, Alleges Rs 14,000 Crore Revenue Loss

A front-page report in Free Press Journal says the Goa government plans to move the Supreme Court against the amended Mines and Minerals (MMDR) Act, alleging Rs 14,000 crore annual revenue loss threatening welfare schemes like the women-focused Maiyan Samman Yojana. Mining and minerals minister Radhakrishna Kishore confirmed the legal action follows state claims of substantial fiscal harm to social programs. Goa plans to move the Supreme Court against the amended Mines and Minerals Act, claiming it threatens welfare schemes like the Maiyan Samman Yojana. Mining minister Radhakrishna Kishore confirmed the legal action. - Why it matters: Could trigger a wave of state-level litigation, reshaping mineral revenue sharing. -

Source: Free Press Journal (front page).

5. Political Parties Protest MMDR Amendment Act in Odisha

A front-page report in Hindustan Times says leaders from various political parties including Congress, CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP (Sharad Pawar), SP, and RJD met to protest against the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, describing it as 'anti-Odisha' and 'anti-tribal'. Congress, CPI(M), CPI, and other parties met to protest the act, calling it 'anti-Odisha' and 'anti-tribal'. The protest highlights growing political unity against the central mining policy. - Why it matters: Signals potential legislative roadblocks and increased activism around mining rights. -

Source: Hindustan Times (front page).

6. Tamil Nadu CM Opposes New Mining Law, Flags Double Taxation

"A front-page report in New Indian Express says CM C Joseph Vijay has opposed the recently enacted Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2026, joining Kerala, Karnataka, Jharkhand and several other states in raising concerns over provisions that curtail the states’ powers to levy taxes on major and minor minerals. In a letter dated August 17 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijay expressed the state’s reservations over the MMDR Act, 2026. The CM also objected to a provision that would cancel all pending and unpaid taxes payable by mining operators to the state from the date on which the amended Act comes into force, sources said." CM C Joseph Vijay wrote to PM Modi opposing provisions that curtail states' powers to levy taxes on minerals. He objected to cancelling pending unpaid taxes from mining operators. - Why it matters: Tamil Nadu's revenue potential from minerals is Rs 4,356 crore for FY25-26; the new law could disrupt state budgets. -

Source: New Indian Express (front page).

7. Kerala CM Opposes New Mining Law Over Revenue Loss

A front-page report in New Indian Express says Kerala Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay opposes the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2026, calling provisions curtailing state tax authority concerning major and minor minerals unacceptably restrictive. In a confidential letter dated August 17 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijay argues for state-level double taxation concerns andataan funding to remain in effect from the act’s effective date, pending discussions to protect Kerala’s revenue interests, despite earning ₹2,248 crore through mineral taxes in FY 2022-23. Amar Parliament queries revealed he had already written that letter and sought say a review from the secretary-level panel amid Tamil Nadu’s revenue potential of ₹4,356 crore in FY 2025-26, with an ambitious target of ₹21,100 crore in 2026-27, Kerala CM C Joseph Vijay also opposed the MMDR Act, citing a Rs 2,248 crore revenue from mineral taxes in FY22-23. The confidential letter to PM Modi argues for maintaining state tax authority. - Why it matters: Joins multiple states in a coordinated pushback against centralised mining regulation. -

Source: New Indian Express (front page).

8. Tata Power Loses $490 Million Arbitration Award Challenge

A front-page report in The Economic Times says Tata Power Co., one of India’s largest non-state power producers, has lost its challenge to a $490 million arbitration award over a dispute with investor Kleros Capital Partners concerning a proposed bid for a coal asset in Russia. Tata Power lost its challenge to a $490 million arbitration award over a failed bid for a Russian coal asset. The dispute with Kleros Capital Partners was heard in Singapore. - Why it matters: Highlights risks in cross-border mining investments and the binding nature of arbitration agreements. -

Source: Economic Times and Business Line (2 editions).

9. Singareni Expands into Critical Minerals

A front-page report in The Hans India says that on Wednesday, the Deputy Chief Minister directed Sin-gareni Collieries Company Limited officials to expedite exploration activities in the Devadurg gold and copper mineral block in Karnataka. Deputy CM directs Singareni Collieries to accelerate exploration in the Devadurg gold and copper block in Karnataka, marking a strategic pivot from coal to critical minerals. - Why it matters: Aligns with national critical mineral self-sufficiency goals and diversifies Singareni's portfolio. -

Source: The Hans India (front page).

10. Australia-India Ties Focus on Mining and Trade

A front-page report in Statesman says Australia's Consul General Bernard Lynch addressed a Bharat Chamber of Commerce session on economic ties between Australia and India. He highlighted the benefits of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement and encouraged cooperation in mining, critical minerals, and education, specifically within West Bengal. Australia's Consul General Bernard Lynch addressed the Bharat Chamber of Commerce, highlighting the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement's benefits for mining, critical minerals, and education in West Bengal. - Why it matters: Strengthens bilateral supply chains for critical minerals, reducing reliance on other regions. -

Source: Statesman (front page).

11. Larsen & Toubro Partners with FAYAT Road Equipment

A front-page report in Business Standard says Larsen & Toubro has partnered with French company FAYAT Road Equipment to market BOMAG’s specialised road construction equipment in India. The partnership encompasses marketing, sales, after-sales support and supply of spares. L&T partnered with French company FAYAT to market BOMAG road construction equipment in India, covering sales and after-sales support. - Why it matters: Expands mining infrastructure equipment availability, supporting domestic mining projects. -

Source: Business Standard (front page).

12. Illegal River Soil Extraction in Nalbari

A front-page report in Sentinel says allegations of large-scale illegal extraction and transportation of river soil and sand have surfaced in several parts of Nalbari, with locals claiming that mining activities are continuing even after the expiry of permits. Allegations of large-scale illegal extraction of river soil and sand in Nalbari, Assam, continue even after permit expiry. Locals are demanding action. - Why it matters: Highlights persistent environmental and regulatory challenges in small-scale mining. -

Source: Sentinel (front page).

13. Gauhati HC Notice on Illegal Mining-Floods Plea

A front-page report in The Hindu says the Gauhati High Court has directed the Assam and Nagaland governments to submit detailed affidavits by November 3 on eastern Assam’s devastating flood in response to an August petition filed by Congress leader Debabrata Saikia. The Gauhati High Court has directed Assam and Nagaland governments to file affidavits by November 3 on a plea linking illegal mining to devastating floods in eastern Assam. - Why it matters: Could establish legal precedent linking mining practices to environmental disasters. -

Source: The Hindu (front page).

Closing Thought: From legislative bans to arbitration battles, India's mining sector is in flux. Stay ahead with print media monitoring that delivers these stories as they break — powered by Press Monitor's real-time tracking of Indian publications. What's your take on the MMDR Act protests? Share your view.