The Ministry of Mines released India's first-ever State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) on October 16, 2025, as announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. The SMRI benchmarks states on 17 reform areas and around 79 parameters for non-coal mineral governance including auction performance, mine operationalisation, exploration focus, and sustainable mining practices. States are divided into three categories based on mineral richness: Category A (resource-rich), B (medium), and C (limited). Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat were the top three ranked states in Category A, in that order — significant for Rajasthan as it is India's largest producer of minerals like zinc, lead, marble, and sandstone. Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Tripura led Category C, in that order. Top-performing states in each category receive ₹100 crore incentives under SASCI 2025–26. The index aims to foster competitive federalism in mineral governance.
State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) 2025: Rajasthan Tops Category A; Uttarakhand Leads Overall
The Ministry of Mines released India's first-ever State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) on October 16, 2025, as announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. The SMRI benchmarks states on 17 reform areas and around 79 parameters for non-coal mineral governance including auction performance, mine operationalisation, exploration focus, and sustainable mining practices. States are divided into three categories based on mineral richness: Category A (resource-rich), B (medium), and C (limited). Rajasthan, along with Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, topped Category A — significant for Rajasthan as it is India's largest producer of minerals like zinc, lead, marble, and sandstone. Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Tripura led Category C. Top-performing states in each category receive ₹100 crore incentives under SASCI 2025–26. The index aims to foster competitive federalism in mineral governance.
Key facts
- India's first State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) was released on October 16, 2025 by the Ministry of Mines.
- Rajasthan topped Category A (resource-rich states) along with Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
- The SMRI benchmarks states on 17 reform areas and 79 parameters for non-coal mineral governance.
- Top-performing states in each category receive ₹100 crore incentives under SASCI 2025-26.
- Rajasthan produces approximately 23% of India's total mineral production value.
- The index aims to foster competitive federalism in mineral governance across Indian states.
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The State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) 2025 released by the Ministry of Mines benchmarks states on how many reform areas?
The SMRI benchmarks states on 17 reform areas and around 79 parameters for non-coal mineral governance, including auction performance, mine operationalisation, and sustainable mining practices.
Source: Ministry of Mines / Business Standard
Frequently asked questions
What is the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) and when was it released?
The State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) is India's first-ever index for benchmarking states on non-coal mineral governance. It was released by the Ministry of Mines on October 16, 2025, as announced in the Union Budget 2025–26.
Which state topped Category A of the SMRI 2025 and why is this significant for Rajasthan?
Rajasthan topped Category A (resource-rich states) along with Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. This is significant for Rajasthan as it is India's largest producer of minerals such as zinc, lead, marble, and sandstone, contributing about 23% of India's total mineral production value.
On how many parameters does the SMRI evaluate states, and what are the key areas?
The SMRI evaluates states on 17 reform areas and approximately 79 parameters covering auction performance, mine operationalisation, exploration focus, and sustainable mining practices for non-coal minerals.
What incentive is offered to top-performing states under SMRI and SASCI 2025-26?
Top-performing states in each category of the SMRI receive ₹100 crore incentives under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for 2025-26.
How are states categorised in the SMRI 2025?
States are divided into three categories based on mineral richness: Category A for resource-rich states, Category B for states with medium mineral resources, and Category C for states with limited mineral resources.
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