In a significant development for India’s mineral and mining sector, the Ministry of Mines has reclassified Barytes, Felspar, Mica, and Quartz from minor to major minerals. The decision was formalized via a gazette notification dated 20th February 2025, following the Union Cabinet’s approval of the National Critical Mineral Mission on 29th January 2025.
This reclassification is expected to enhance exploration and scientific mining, particularly of critical minerals like Lithium, Beryl, and Niobium that are often found alongside Quartz, Felspar, and Mica in pegmatite rocks.
Key Highlights:
- Critical Mineral Potential: These minerals often coexist with high-value elements such as Lithium, Beryl, and Tantalum—vital for sectors like energy, healthcare, and aerospace.
- Industrial Importance of Baryte: Used in oil drilling, radiation shielding, and electronics, Baryte frequently appears with other metals like Cobalt and Silver.
- Regulatory Shift: As major minerals, mining leases for these resources will now fall under Indian Bureau of Mines oversight and be regulated more stringently.
- Lease Extensions: Existing leases won’t be disrupted. Instead, lease periods will extend up to 50 years, aligning with Section 8A of the MMDR Act, 1957.
- Revenue Continuity: States will continue to earn revenue from these mineral leases even after the reclassification.
- Transition Period: A four-month transition window, up to 30th June 2025, is provided for compliance and regulatory alignment.
The move stems from recommendations by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Mines & Minerals Sector, chaired by Dr. V. K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog. The committee emphasized that current classifications hindered the extraction of valuable associated minerals, which remain underreported or unutilized.
This strategic shift is poised to drive domestic production of critical minerals, reduce import dependency, and support India’s ambitions in advanced technologies and sustainable development.
