Government notifies coking coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the MMDR Act, 1957
On 29 January 2026 the Centre notified coking coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral by adding it to Part D of the First Schedule of the MMDR Act, 1957, to cut import dependence of the steel sector.
Summary
The Ministry of Coal announced on 29 January 2026 that coking coal has been notified as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Using powers under Section 11C, the Centre amended the First Schedule: 'Coal' in Part A now reads 'Coal, including Coking Coal', and coking coal is included in Part D (critical and strategic minerals). India has about 37.37 billion tonnes of coking coal, mostly in Jharkhand, yet about 95% of the steel sector's need is imported (57.58 million tonnes in 2024-25). Royalty and auction premium will still go to the states.
Key facts
- Notified
- 29 January 2026, Ministry of Coal
- Law
- MMDR Act, 1957 — Section 11C; First Schedule Part D (critical & strategic minerals)
- Recommended by
- High-Level Committee on Implementation of Viksit Bharat Goals; NITI Aayog inputs
- Resources
- About 37.37 billion tonnes, mostly in Jharkhand
- Import dependence
- ~95% of steel sector need; imports 57.58 MT in 2024-25 (51.20 MT in 2020-21)
- States' revenue
- Royalty and auction premium continue to accrue to states (Section 11D(3))
Practice MCQs 3 questions
In January 2026, which mineral was notified as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the MMDR Act, 1957?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Coking coal
PIB (29 Jan 2026): The Government notified coking coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the MMDR Act, 1957.
India's coking coal resources, estimated at 37.37 billion tonnes, are largely located in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Jharkhand
PIB: Coking coal resources are largely in Jharkhand, with more in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
Consider the following statements about the January 2026 notification on coking coal: 1. Coking coal was included in Part D of the First Schedule of the MMDR Act, which lists critical and strategic minerals. 2. Royalty and auction premium from such mining leases will now go to the Central Government instead of the states. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB: Coking coal was added to Part D. Under Section 11D(3), royalty, auction premium and other payments continue to accrue to the State Governments.