New Delhi: The Ministry of Mines has unveiled the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) along with State rankings, marking a significant step towards encouraging mining sector reforms across Indian states. This initiative also fulfills a key announcement made under the Union Budget 2025-26, aiming to boost transparency, efficiency, and sustainable growth in mining activities.
Index Structure Highlights Key Performance Indicators
The SMRI is composed of several indicators designed to assess and underline State-level performance in the mining sector. These include auction performance, the speed of early mine operationalization, focus on exploration, and sustainable mining practices related to non-coal minerals. These criteria help gauge the readiness and effectiveness of States in promoting responsible mining operations.
States Categorized by Mineral Endowment
For a fair and relevant comparison, States have been grouped into three categories based on their mineral endowment:
- Category A: States with rich mineral resources
- Category B: States with moderate mineral resources
- Category C: States with lower mineral endowment
Top Performers Identified Across Categories
In Category A, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat have secured the top three ranks, reflecting their strong mining sector performance and reforms.
In Category B, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam emerged as leaders, demonstrating considerable progress in mining readiness despite moderate mineral reserves.
For Category C, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Tripura were the highest-ranked States, showing promising strides in developing their mining sectors despite lower mineral endowment.
Encouraging Sustainable and Efficient Mining
The launch of the SMRI underscores the Government’s commitment to fostering sustainable mining practices, accelerating mine operationalization, and enhancing exploration activities. The index is expected to motivate States to adopt reforms, attract investments, and contribute to the overall growth of India’s mining industry.
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