Limestone

16.10.2025

Limestone

Context
 In October 2025, the Ministry of Mines classified all forms of limestone as a major mineral, ending its earlier dual status as both major and minor. The move aims to streamline mining regulation, reduce bureaucratic confusion, and promote ease of doing business across India’s mineral sector.

Background
 Earlier, limestone’s classification depended on its end use, it was treated as a minor mineral for producing lime or as a building material, and as a major mineral when used in cement, steel, or fertilizer industries. This duality caused overlaps between state and central jurisdictions, delaying approvals and creating compliance disputes.

The 2025 notification removes this ambiguity by declaring all limestone a major mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act). The uniform treatment simplifies administration, boosts investor confidence, and aligns with India’s mining reform agenda.

Key Features of the Reform

• End-use distinction removed: Limestone will now be treated as a major mineral, regardless of its purpose.
   
• Lease conversion: Existing minor mineral leases will transition to major mineral leases without affecting operations or ownership rights.
   
• Freedom of utilization: Leaseholders may use or sell limestone for any industrial or commercial use without restrictive approvals.
   
• Smooth transition:
   
  • Extended deadlines for registration and compliance.
     
  • Validity of approved mining plans maintained.
     
  • Temporary exemption from select filings and penalties until mid-2027.
     
• Digital monitoring: Integration with the Mine Developer Portal for online registration, tracking, and transparency.
   

Significance of the Reform

• Simplification and clarity: Eliminates classification confusion, ensuring consistency and faster clearances.
   
• Industrial growth: Encourages expansion in cement and allied industries, a key driver of infrastructure development.
   
• Economic boost: Freer trade and use of limestone can raise rural employment, state revenues, and small enterprise participation.
   
• Policy alignment: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and India’s push for sustainable resource management.
   
• Institutional coordination: Guided by an Inter-Ministerial Committee under NITI Aayog, following stakeholder consultations with states and industry.
   

Way Forward

• Streamlined licensing: States should update rules under the MMDR framework for faster approvals.
   
• Digital compliance: Broader use of e-permitting and satellite-based mine monitoring to improve transparency.
   
• Capacity-building: Training programs for small miners to meet new documentation and safety standards.
   
• Sustainable mining: Promote eco-friendly extraction and rehabilitation of mined areas under central oversight.
   

Conclusion
 Classifying all limestone as a major mineral marks a major step in India’s mining reforms. By removing outdated distinctions and ensuring uniformity under the MMDR Act, the government has strengthened regulatory clarity, investment confidence, and industrial competitiveness. The reform is expected to accelerate cement sector growth, infrastructure expansion, and employment generation, reinforcing India’s emergence as a key global player in mineral-based industries.