The Ministry of Mines issued a gazette notification dated October 10, 2025, classifying limestone entirely as a major mineral by deleting 'limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material' from the minor mineral category. Previously, limestone was dual-classified: minor mineral when used for building-lime kilns, and major mineral for cement, steel, chemicals, sugar, and fertiliser. A transition order dated October 13, 2025 under Section 20A allows existing minor-mineral leaseholders until March 31, 2026 to register with the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and existing mining plans to continue until March 31, 2027. The move promotes ease of doing business by removing end-use restrictions and artificial regulatory distinctions. Rajasthan, the country's largest limestone-producing state, stands to benefit significantly.
Ministry of Mines Reclassifies Limestone Entirely as a Major Mineral
The Ministry of Mines issued a gazette notification dated October 10, 2025, classifying limestone entirely as a major mineral by deleting 'limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material' from the minor mineral category. Previously, limestone was dual-classified: minor mineral when used for building-lime kilns, and major mineral for cement, steel, chemicals, sugar, and fertiliser. A transition order dated October 13, 2025 under Section 20A allows existing minor-mineral leaseholders until March 31, 2026 to register with the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and existing mining plans to continue until March 31, 2027. The move promotes ease of doing business by removing end-use restrictions and artificial regulatory distinctions. Rajasthan, the country's largest limestone-producing state, stands to benefit significantly.
Key facts
- Ministry of Mines classified limestone entirely as a major mineral via October 10, 2025 gazette notification.
- Previously limestone was dual-classified: minor mineral for building-lime kilns, major for cement and steel.
- Transition order allows existing minor-mineral leaseholders until March 2026 to register with IBM.
- Existing mining plans can continue until March 31, 2027 under the transition provisions.
- The move removes end-use restrictions and artificial regulatory distinctions for limestone.
- Rajasthan as India's largest limestone-producing state stands to benefit significantly.
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Under the Ministry of Mines' October 2025 gazette notification reclassifying limestone, until which date can existing minor-mineral limestone leaseholders register with the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)?
A transition order dated October 13, 2025 under Section 20A of the MMDR Act allows existing minor-mineral limestone leaseholders until March 31, 2026 to register with the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), while existing mining plans continue until March 31, 2027.
Source: PIB / Business Standard
Frequently asked questions
What change did the Ministry of Mines make regarding the classification of limestone in October 2025?
The Ministry of Mines issued a gazette notification on October 10, 2025, classifying limestone entirely as a major mineral by removing 'limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material' from the minor mineral category, ending its dual classification.
What was the earlier dual classification of limestone in India?
Previously, limestone was classified as a minor mineral when used for building-lime kilns and as a major mineral for industrial uses such as cement, steel, chemicals, sugar, and fertiliser manufacturing.
What transition provisions were made for existing minor-mineral leaseholders after limestone's reclassification?
A transition order dated October 13, 2025, under Section 20A allows existing minor-mineral leaseholders to register with the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) until March 31, 2026, and existing mining plans can continue until March 31, 2027.
Why is the reclassification of limestone as a major mineral significant for Rajasthan?
Rajasthan is India's largest limestone-producing state, so the reclassification removes end-use restrictions and artificial regulatory distinctions, enabling better regulatory oversight and potentially boosting revenue from limestone mining in the state.
What is the significance of classifying a mineral as 'major' versus 'minor' under Indian mining law?
Under Indian mining law, major minerals are regulated by the central government under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, while minor minerals fall under state government jurisdiction. Reclassifying limestone as a major mineral centralises its regulatory oversight and removes end-use restrictions.
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