A mere substitution of a word in the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act (MMRDA) 2015, effected by India’s federal government, has opened up a window for State-run miner NMDC to resume operations of the shuttered Donimalai mines in the southern state of Karnataka. Last month, the Mines Ministry amended the MMDRA, replacing the word “may” with “shall” in the provision relating to renewal of mining lease applications to be considered by respective state governments.
