THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, AUGUST 20, 2026
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has welcomed the
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, notified
by the Central Government on August 17, describing the reform as a significant
step towards creating a predictable fiscal regime and providing long-term
policy certainty for India’s mineral sector.
The amendment brings greater clarity and uniformity to
mineral taxation and levies while addressing pending retrospective levies, a
move expected to enhance certainty and strengthen investor confidence across
the mining industry. For SAIL, which operates substantial captive iron ore and
coal mines, the reform is particularly significant as it is expected to improve
the viability of mining operations, encourage investment and accelerate mine
development, thereby reinforcing the company’s long-term raw-material security.
With a more predictable fiscal framework, SAIL expects
improved utilisation and development of its mineral assets, giving further
impetus to iron ore production from its captive mines. The company believes the
reform can also have a wider impact on the domestic steel ecosystem by
facilitating greater availability of indigenous iron ore in the market.
As the viability and development of its captive mines
improve, SAIL will be positioned to make additional quantities of iron ore
available for sale in the domestic market, in accordance with the applicable
regulatory framework. This is expected to strengthen domestic supply chains and
enhance the availability of locally sourced iron ore for India’s steel
industry.
The reform is also likely to encourage higher investment and production in the mining sector, reduce dependence on imports and reinforce India’s mineral and energy security. By improving the operating environment for mineral-based industries, the amendment could contribute to greater competitiveness across the steel and broader industrial landscape.
SAIL said it remains committed to the responsible and sustainable development of its mineral resources, with a continued focus on strengthening captive raw-material security and making greater quantities of iron ore available to the domestic market. The company’s stance aligns with the broader national objective of building a self-reliant and developed India, supporting the vision of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.
