royalty rate revision

ROYALTY REFORMS & INDIA'S CRITICAL MINERAL PUSH

India has revised royalty rates for graphite, caesium, rubidium and zirconium to stimulate domestic exploration and reduce dependence on imported critical minerals vital for clean energy, electronics and strategic sectors. The shift to ad valorem royalties and the lowering of high default rates aim to attract more bidders and improve mining viability. However, despite these reforms, India continues to face deeper challenges such as weak exploration capacity, limited processing infrastructure, low private participation and heavy reliance on global supply chains. Royalty rationalisation is a step forward, but comprehensive reforms across mining, processing and technology ecosystems are essential for true mineral self-reliance.