What happened: MMDR Amendment, 2026 becomes law after presidential assent
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by Parliament on 13 August 2026 and became law after presidential assent.
Background: mineral output concentration and why Odisha is a key stakeholder
Mineral output (excluding atomic, fuel, and minor minerals) is concentrated in a small number of states. The news report identifies Odisha as the largest contributor, so Union–State changes in mining governance and mining-linked fiscal powers can have major effects on Odisha’s administration and communities around mines.
What changed under the MMDR Amendment, 2026
The MMDR Amendment, 2026 expands the scope of regulation beyond mines to mineral-bearing land. It also introduces limits on states’ ability to impose new mining-related taxes/levies and describes a scenario where court orders can limit collection. Odisha stakeholders argue these changes may weaken state control and state-linked fiscal interests in mining.