15 Essential Mining Stories for Industry Executives

Stay ahead in mining with today's top stories – from major policy shifts and corporate moves to commodity trends and infrastructure investments. This press review, powered by media monitoring from across India's print landscape, gives you the intelligence you need. Here are the 15 stories shaping the sector on August 22, 2026.

1. JSW Steel Near-Zero Import Ambition

"A front-page report in Mint says" JSW Steel is planning a gradual shift away from importing iron ore, seeking to leverage increasing domestic supplies and the operational expansion of new mines. This strategic move aims to reduce India’s dependence on overseas raw material sources, potentially mitigating the impact of global price fluctuations and supporting the country’s infrastructure spending boom. India possesses vast iron ore deposits, and the government’s efforts to boost domestic production are driving JSW Steel’s ambition to eliminate imports entirely."

Why it matters: JSW Steel is reducing reliance on imported iron ore, a move that could lower costs and boost self-sufficiency. Key detail: The shift leverages increased domestic mine output and expansion of operational mines.

Source: Mint (front-page). Next step: Monitor domestic ore prices and JSW's supply chain moves.

2. Mines Amendment Act Curbing Mineral Theft

A front-page report in Millennium Post says Union Minister Sanjay Seth on Friday said the amended mines and minerals legislation passed by Parliament recently will increase state revenue by curbing mineral theft and illegal mining.

Why it matters: New legislation aims to increase state revenue by preventing illegal mining and mineral theft. Key detail: Union Minister Sanjay Seth announced the amended law will boost state coffers.

Source: Millennium Post (front-page). Next step: Review compliance implications for operators.

3. Mining Tax Amendments – Federal Concerns

A front-page report in Statesman says that the proposed amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 seek to bring greater transparency, uniformity, and predictability to mineral taxation. However, the attempt to restrict State taxation of mineral-bearing land raises a legitimate constitutional and federal concern.

Why it matters: Proposed changes to mineral taxation raise constitutional issues over state rights. Key detail: The amendments seek uniformity but restrict state taxation on mineral-bearing land.

Source: Statesman (front-page). Next step: Track parliamentary debate and state responses.

4. CPI Urges Withdrawal of Mines Amendment Act

A front-page report in New Indian Express says, the CPI on Friday urged the centre to withdraw the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2O26, alleging that it would weaken the rights of states and assist companies in exploiting natural resources. The party further urged the state government to strongly oppose the amendment.

Why it matters: Political opposition risks delaying or altering the legislation. Key detail: CPI alleges the act weakens state rights and helps companies exploit resources.

Source: New Indian Express (front-page). Next step: Watch for further political mobilisation.

5. MCL Rs 405 Crore Railway Siding

A front-page report in Business Standard says Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) will invest Rs 405 crore for a private railway siding. The project is intended for the Subhadra Coal Mines located in Anugola.

Why it matters: Mahanadi Coalfields invests in dedicated rail infrastructure to improve coal logistics. Key detail: The siding will serve Subhadra Coal Mines in Anugola.

Source: Business Standard (front-page). Next step: Assess impact on coal transport costs.

6. Gold & Silver Surge to 3-Month Highs

A front-page report in Free Press Journal says gold and silver prices surged to three-month highs in Delhi on Friday. The rally was driven by a weaker US dollar, falling Treasury yields, and mounting fiscal anxiety in the United States.

Why it matters: Precious metals rally on US fiscal stress and weaker dollar. Key detail: Delhi bullion peaked as Treasury buybacks and geopolitical tensions boosted safe-haven demand.

Source: Free Press Journal (front-page). Next step: Monitor gold price trend for mining investment decisions.

7. Australia, NZ Eye Deeper Trade Ties with India

A front-page report in Millennium Post says India, New Zealand and Australia see significant scope to deepen trade and investment ties in critical minerals, agricultural technology, space, clean energy and education.

Why it matters: Critical minerals cooperation is a key focus. Key detail: Trade and investment scope in critical minerals, agritech, space, clean energy, and education.

Source: Millennium Post (front-page). Next step: Explore partnership opportunities for Indian mining firms.

8. E-Auction for Sand Ghats in Rohtas

A front-page report in Times of India says that Mines and Geology Department District- Rohtas, Sasaram has announced an e-auction for the settlement of sand ghats through e-procurement mode.

Why it matters: Transparent allocation of sand mining rights through e-procurement. Key detail: Mines and Geology Department Rohtas announced e-auction for sand ghat settlement.

Source: Times of India (front-page). Next step: Participating parties should register early.

9. Odisha Mining Corporation to Sell High Carbon Ferrochrome

A front-page report in New Indian Express says that Odisha Mining Corporation Limited intends to sell various grades of High Carbon Ferrochrome (HCFC) produced at Ferro chrome plant, OMC Ltd. situated at Jajpur Road in Jajpur District of Odisha through National e-auction.

Why it matters: OMC is monetising ferrochrome stock via e-auction. Key detail: Sale of various grades of HCFC from Jajpur plant through MSTC on August 29.

Source: New Indian Express (front-page). Next step: Bidders prepare specifications and pricing.

10. Cement Grade Limestone Sale by Odisha Mining

A front-page report in The Hindu says that Odisha Mining Corporation Limited intends to sell Cement grade Limestone produced at Ampavalli Limestone Mines, Ampavalli, Pattangi, Koraput district, Odisha through e-auction which will be conducted by MSTC Ltd. The e-auction shall be held from 11.00 A.M. to 2.00 P.M on dtd. 29.08.2026.

Why it matters: OMC sells limestone from Ampavalli mines, supporting cement industry feedstock. Key detail: E-auction by MSTC on August 29.

Source: The Hindu (front-page). Next step: Cement companies evaluate quality and logistics.

11. PM Shri Schools Using DMF Funds

A front-page report in First India says Chief Secretary V Srinivas announced that PM Shri Schools are becoming centres of quality and modern education in Rajasthan. During a webinar in Jaipur, he emphasized improving enrolment and technology use, while also directing officials to prioritize essential services using District Mineral Foundation Trust funds.

Why it matters: District Mineral Foundation Trust funds are being used for education quality. Key detail: Rajasthan Chief Secretary directs use of DMF funds for PM Shri Schools.

Source: First India (front-page). Next step: Mining companies can align CSR with DMF priorities.

12. Polytechnics Won't Be Privatised: Minister

A front-page report in Free Press Journal says that Minister for SHAKTI (Labour, Employment, Training & Factories) and Mines G Vivek Venkataswamy assured polytechnic students that their existing academic and financial benefits would continue following the decision to bring polytechnic institutions under the SHAKTI department.

Why it matters: Minister for Mines and Labour assures continued benefits for polytechnic students. Key detail: Institutions moving under SHAKTI department but academic and financial benefits intact.

Source: Free Press Journal (front-page). Next step: Monitor policy implementation.

13. Bareilly Bio-Mining Tender

A front-page report in Times of India says Bareilly Municipal Corporation invites an engagement of an agency for third party audit and on evaluation of bio-mining and bio-remediation of legacy waste at Bakarganj Dumpsite, Bareilly.

Why it matters: Municipal bio-mining project to remediate legacy waste at dumpsite. Key detail: Third-party audit and evaluation of bio-mining and bio-remediation at Bakarganj.

Source: Times of India (front-page). Next step: Agencies with bio-mining expertise should bid.

14. GSI Deputy Director General Recruitment

A front-page report in Statesman says Applications are invited for the post of Deputy Director General (Personnel & Administration) in Geological Survey of India at Kolkata on deputation. The role is in Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) Pay Level-14, with eligibility requiring Indian citizens to hold an analogous post or meet specified years of service and a bachelor’s degree with fifteen years’ experience including three years in administration or related fields.

Why it matters: Key leadership role in Geological Survey of India filled via deputation. Key detail: Applications invited for Senior Administrative Grade post at Kolkata HQ.

Source: Statesman, Times of India, Navbharat Times (front-page). Next step: Eligible officers apply by deadline.

15. NCL Industries Seeks Contractors

A front-page report in Deccan Herald says that NCL Industries Limited, a pioneer in cement manufacturing, is looking for contractors for various jobs including cement packing, loading, and supply of debarked eucalyptus wood. Interested candidates can contact Sr. GM-Procurement Mr. P. Sai Vikram.

Why it matters: Cement maker expanding contractor base for various operations. Key detail: Jobs include cement packing, loading, raw material unloading, and equipment hiring.

Source: Deccan Herald (front-page). Next step: Contact Sr. GM-Procurement P. Sai Vikram.

Which of these trends will affect your strategy most? Stay informed with real-time media monitoring of Indian print media.