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India's Mineral Imports Reach Rs 10.12 Lakh Crore as Mine Output Lags
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
India's mineral imports hit Rs 10.12 lakh crore in FY26, with only 105 of over 720 auctioned blocks operational. The gap highlights the need for increased domestic production.
Key points
- India's mineral imports reached Rs 10.12 lakh crore in FY26.
- Only 105 out of over 720 auctioned mineral blocks have become operational.
- States earned Rs 7.67 lakh crore from minerals between FY15 and FY26.
- The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, aims to improve regulatory predictability.
- Odisha has operationalized the highest number of auctioned blocks, with 35 out of 79.
Key insights
- Increasing domestic mining could reduce reliance on imports.
- The operationalization of more auctioned blocks is crucial for meeting demand.
- Improving regulatory frameworks may attract more investment in the mining sector.
Why it matters
The high level of mineral imports indicates a significant domestic demand that could be met through increased local production.
Source
India Today
