Ministry of Mines classifies all limestone as a major mineral, ending the end-use distinction
The Ministry of Mines said on 14 October 2025 that, by a gazette notification of 10 October 2025, all limestone is now a major mineral, removing the minor-mineral category for limestone used in kilns to make lime for building.
Summary
The Ministry of Mines said on 14 October 2025 that, by a gazette notification dated 10 October 2025, limestone is now classified completely as a major mineral. Earlier, 'limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material' was a minor mineral, while other limestone was a major mineral; that end-use distinction has been deleted. The decision followed recommendations of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on the mines and minerals sector chaired by a Member of NITI Aayog. An order of 13 October 2025 under Section 20A eases the transition: existing minor-mineral lessees have until 31 March 2026 to register with the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and may pay royalty at state rates until then, and state-approved mining plans continue until 31 March 2027. Lessees can now sell limestone freely, including to cement makers.
Key facts
- Change
- All limestone = major mineral
- Notification
- Gazette, 10 Oct 2025
- Deleted minor entry
- Limestone used in kilns for lime as building material
- Basis
- Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by Member, NITI Aayog
- Transition order
- 13 Oct 2025, Section 20A
- Deadlines
- IBM registration by 31 Mar 2026; state mining plans valid to 31 Mar 2027
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Before the Ministry of Mines' October 2025 notification, which use of limestone made it a minor mineral?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material
PIB: 'Limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material' had been notified as a minor mineral; the 10 October 2025 notification deleted it from the minor minerals category.
Consider the following statements about the reclassification of limestone in October 2025: 1. It followed recommendations of an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Mines. 2. Existing minor-mineral limestone lessees have until 31 March 2026 to register with the Indian Bureau of Mines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PIB: the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Mines & Minerals Sector was chaired by a Member of NITI Aayog, not the Mines Secretary; existing minor-mineral lessees are allowed till 31 March 2026 to register with IBM.