Ministry of Mines releases State Mining Readiness Index; Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Punjab top their categories
The Ministry of Mines released the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) and state rankings (PIB, 16 October 2025), with Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Punjab ranked first in Categories A, B and C.
Summary
The Ministry of Mines released the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) and state rankings, PIB reported on 16 October 2025, fulfilling an announcement in the Union Budget 2025-26. The index uses indicators such as auction performance, early mine operationalisation, thrust on exploration and sustainable mining, all pertaining to non-coal minerals. States were grouped into three categories by mineral endowment. In Category A the top three are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat; in Category B, Goa, Uttar Pradesh and Assam; and in Category C, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Tripura.
Key facts
- Released by
- Ministry of Mines
- Basis
- Union Budget 2025-26 announcement
- Indicators
- Auction performance, early mine operationalisation, exploration, sustainable mining (non-coal)
- Category A top 3
- Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat
- Category B top 3
- Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Assam
- Category C top 3
- Punjab, Uttarakhand, Tripura
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which State is ranked first in Category A of the State Mining Readiness Index released by the Ministry of Mines in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Madhya Pradesh
PIB: the top three in Category A are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Which States are the top three in Category C of the State Mining Readiness Index?
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Correct answer: B — Punjab, Uttarakhand and Tripura
PIB: in Category C, the top three ranks were obtained by Punjab, Uttarakhand and Tripura; Goa, Uttar Pradesh and Assam top Category B.
Consider the following statements about the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI): 1. Its release fulfils an announcement made in the Union Budget 2025-26. 2. Its indicators pertain mainly to coal and lignite blocks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: SMRI fulfils the Union Budget 2025-26 announcement; its indicators — auction performance, early mine operationalisation, exploration and sustainable mining — pertain to non-coal minerals.