BARYTES,FELSPAR,MICA & QUARTZ AS MAJOR MINERALS : GEOGRAPHY

BARYTES,FELSPAR,MICA & QUARTZ AS MAJOR MINERALS : GEOGRAPHY

NEWS: Reclassification of Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz as Major Minerals

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

In February 2025, the Ministry of Mines issued a gazette notification reclassifying Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz from minor minerals to major minerals.This decision aligns with the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), approved by the Union Cabinet on 29th January 2025.The objective is to enhance exploration, mining, and extraction of critical minerals associated with these four minerals, benefiting key sectors like energy, technology, and healthcare.

 

National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)

Objective of the Mission

  • The NCMM aims to explore and extract critical minerals essential for India’s technological and economic growth.
  • Focus on minerals vital for the energy transition, spacecraft industries, and healthcare.

 

Key Features of the Mission

  1. Recovery of critical minerals from other mineral sources, overburden, and by-products.
  2. Enhancing self-sufficiency in key minerals to reduce import dependency.
  3. Efficient mining and extraction of minerals containing critical elements such as Lithium, Beryl, Tantalum, and Niobium.
  4. Support for industries reliant on critical minerals, including electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defense.
  5. Improvement of mineral reporting and exploration standards for efficient extraction and utilization.

 

Reclassification of Quartz, Felspar, Mica, and Barytes

1. Quartz, Felspar, and Mica

  • Occurrence: Found primarily in pegmatite rocks, which also contain Lithium, Beryl, Niobium, Tantalum, Molybdenum, Tin, Titanium, and Tungsten.
  • Previous Usage: These minerals were traditionally extracted for construction, glass, ceramics, and industrial applications.
  • New Focus: Reclassification as major minerals enables systematic extraction of associated critical minerals, particularly Lithium, which is crucial for battery production.

2. Barytes

  • Industrial Applications: Used in oil and gas drilling, electronics, radiation shielding, and medical applications (e.g., high-density concrete for X-ray shielding).
  • Associated Minerals: Often found alongside Antimony, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, and Silver.
  • Impact of Reclassification:
  • Enables comprehensive extraction of both Barytes and its associated critical minerals.
  • Supports critical mineral production for high-tech industries.

 

Why Were These Minerals Reclassified as Major Minerals?

1.      Scientific and Systematic Mining

    • Encourages scientific mining techniques for better extraction and recovery of critical minerals.
    • Ensures mining targets both primary minerals and associated critical minerals.

2.      Enhanced Exploration and Extraction

    • Major minerals are subject to stricter exploration standards and regulatory frameworks.
    • Encourages more investment in exploration of critical mineral-rich deposits.

3.      Reducing Import Dependency

    • India currently imports a significant portion of Lithium, Beryl, and Tantalum.
    • Increased domestic extraction strengthens India’s mineral security and reduces dependence on imports from countries like China and Australia.

4.      Boost to Strategic Industries

    • Critical minerals are essential for industries like:
      • Electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries
      • Renewable energy (solar panels, wind turbines)
      • Telecommunications and electronics
      • Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
    • Ensures stable domestic supply of minerals needed for technological advancements.

Implications of the Reclassification

1. Lease Period Extension

  • Under the MMDR Act, 1957, the lease period for mines extracting these minerals has been extended to 50 years.
  • Applies from the date of grant or the completion of any renewal period, whichever is later.

2. Regulatory Shift

  • Mines extracting these minerals will now be regulated under the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM).
  • Transition period of 4 months (until 30th June 2025) to allow for smooth regulatory adaptation.

3. Revenue Sharing

  • Revenue from these minerals will continue to go to State Governments as before.
  • The reclassification does not impact the revenue-sharing model between the Centre and State authorities.

 

Benefits of the Reclassification

1.      Improved Identification and Extraction of Critical Minerals

    • Ensures minerals like Lithium, Beryl, and Tantalum are systematically mined and reported.

2.      Support for the Energy Transition and High-Tech Industries

    • Essential minerals for battery production, electronics, and renewable energy will now be produced domestically.

3.      Economic and Strategic Security

    • Strengthens India’s economic resilience by reducing dependence on critical mineral imports.
    • Encourages investment in domestic mineral exploration and mining infrastructure.

4.      Encourages Sustainable Mining Practices

    • Major minerals are subject to stricter environmental and regulatory standards, ensuring responsible mining.

 

About the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act)

1. Overview of the MMDR Act

  • Legislation for mineral development and regulation in India.
  • Applies to all minerals, covering exploration, extraction, and regulatory frameworks.
  • Implemented by the Central Government, with certain aspects governed by State Governments.

2. Provisions of the MMDR Act

  • Provides for:
  • Prospecting Licenses (PLs) – Exploration of minerals.
  • Mining Leases (MLs) – Extraction of minerals.
  • Reconnaissance Permits (RPs) – Preliminary exploration activities.
  • Establishes rules for granting and managing mining rights.
  • Ensures mining is conducted in a systematic and sustainable manner.

3. Key Amendments to the MMDR Act

  • 1986 Amendment – Strengthened environmental regulations for mining operations.
  • 1994 Amendment – Introduced transparency measures in granting mining leases.
  • 2023 Amendment –
  • Introduced exploration licenses for critical minerals.
  • Allowed the Central Government to auction mining concessions for critical minerals, ensuring streamlined resource allocation.

 

Conclusion

  • The reclassification of Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz as major minerals marks a significant policy shift.
  • The move will boost domestic production of critical minerals, supporting India’s technological growth and economic security.
  • The National Critical Mineral Mission will play a key role in ensuring self-reliance in critical minerals, reducing import dependency, and enhancing India’s standing in the global minerals market.

 

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/mining-industry-upset-at-reclassification-of-minerals/articleshow/118487304.cms