MINERAL PROCESSING SCHEME
Govt amends pricing norms for low-grade iron ore to check wastage, boost steel supply
The government has revised pricing norms for low-grade iron ore, including Banded Haematite Quartzite and Jasper, to encourage its utilization. This move aims to curb wastage, enhance resource utilization, and ensure a steady supply to the steel industry by making beneficiation economically viable.
Patent application filings in India rise 30.2% to 1.43 lakh in 2025-26: Goyal
India's patent filings reached a historic high of over 1.43 lakh in FY 2025-26, a 30.2% jump. Domestic innovators led this surge, with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra at the forefront. This growth reflects the government's commitment to strengthening intellectual property rights. Initiatives like reduced fees and expedited examination support startups, MSMEs, and educational institutions.
New scheme in works to support domestic critical mineral processing plants: Mines Secretary
India is launching a new scheme to boost critical mineral processing. Public sector companies will bid for four copper mines in Chile. Domestic copper production is set to increase significantly. Plans are also underway to extract gold from mining residue. These initiatives aim to strengthen India's mineral sector and global presence.
Vedanta extends demerger deadline to June 30
Vedanta demerger: The Anil Agarwal-led company had already shifted the original deadline for the proposed demerger from March 31, 2025 to September 30, 2025 and then to March 31, 2026.
India scaling up rare earth magnet production to cut import dependence: Jitendra Singh
India is boosting its production of rare earth permanent magnets. The first Samarium Cobalt plant is now operational. This move aims to meet growing demand for electronics, defence, and electric vehicles. While imports remain high, significant progress is being made. Targets are set for substantial indigenous production by 2030. Efforts are underway to scale up extraction and processing.
India to invite bids for Rs 7,280 crore rare earth magnet manufacturing scheme on March 20
India is gearing up to revolutionise its rare earth magnet production landscape. A new manufacturing scheme will soon be announced, inviting competitive bids to propel the output to an impressive 6,000 million tonnes annually. This strategic move will not only fortify supply chains in critical industries such as automotive and defence but also offer appealing benefits for manufacturers.
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Congress flags data risk in Farmer ID rollout, seeks probe into role of private agencies
Concerns arose in the Maharashtra assembly regarding private agencies generating farmer identification numbers. Congress questioned data security and transparent tender processes. The Agriculture Minister assured strict action against any private entity found selling Farmer ID cards. The state has generated over 1.31 crore Farmer IDs. Relief assistance worth Rs 15,817 crore was provided to farmers affected by crop losses.

Beyond gold: Why copper, uranium and rare earths are the new investor rush
Indian investors are increasingly turning to global ETFs to access a broad range of commodities beyond gold and silver, driven by a broad rally in metals. This trend offers diversification and access to industrial and strategic metals, though it involves forex costs and inherent market volatility.

India unveils seven-point plan to boost exports under ₹25,060-crore mission
India is stepping onto the global trade stage with a robust Export Promotion Mission aimed at revolutionising its outbound trade. This initiative seeks to ease the path for smaller companies, making exporting more straightforward and accessible. With a sharp focus on adapting to shifting global trade trends, this six-year program will equip Indian enterprises to thrive in diverse markets.

Jharkhand reframes growth at Davos, linking women’s agency and minerals
At the World Economic Forum, the state positioned itself as transitioning from an extraction-led economy to a processing hub rooted in local empowerment.

Rare earths provide a rare opportunity
India is establishing rare earth corridors in four states to boost mining, processing, and manufacturing. This move aims to reduce reliance on China and foster economic growth through clean industries. Alongside this, recycling critical minerals from e-waste and industrial waste will increase supply. New policies will support this, creating jobs and enhancing self-reliance.

'No fiscal adventurism': Budget strengthens credibility, pushes logistics and trade infra
India's new budget focuses on steady growth through disciplined finances and smart investments. Public spending on infrastructure will increase. The budget also aims to improve logistics by developing waterways and boosting container manufacturing. Efforts are underway to reduce reliance on imported critical minerals.

Union Budget 2026: Turning global disruption into India’s manufacturing advantage
Budget 2026 continues the momentum for Manufacturing in India for the world, supporting MSMEs in their growth and addressing geo-economic challenges. It focuses on sustaining growth, empowering citizens through capability building, and ensuring that development is both broad-based and inclusive.

Budget 2026: India sets out to map rare-earth rich states to build aatmanirbharta amid China threat
India is establishing rare-earth corridors in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu to boost domestic mining, processing, and manufacturing. This strategic move aims to reduce import dependence, particularly for rare earth permanent magnets crucial for electric vehicles and renewable energy, following global supply chain disruptions.

Budget unveils wide-ranging steps to sustain growth momentum: FM
In her latest address, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled a budget dedicated to long-term growth strategies. Highlights include significant investments in the electronics industry and the creation of rare earth corridors aimed at decreasing reliance on imports. Additionally, the budget outlines extensive support for MSMEs through a comprehensive framework.

India Budget: Customs overhaul to cut costs, boost manufacturing
India's Union Budget 2026-27 introduces a comprehensive customs overhaul, featuring duty relief for manufacturing and exports, and a single digital window for faster clearances. Measures aim to boost competitiveness in sectors like textiles and footwear, while rationalizing duties on strategic imports to enhance market access with the US.

Rare earth corridors to boost country's self-reliance in magnets, says industry
India is set to boost its rare earth magnet production with dedicated corridors in mineral-rich states, fostering new technologies for phones, EVs, and defence. Budget proposals include customs duty exemptions on capital goods for critical mineral processing, aiming to reduce import dependence and enhance self-reliance in vital sectors. This initiative supports the nation's commitment to Net Zero by 2070.

India Budget 2026 Key Takeaways: Trains, treks, chips and coconuts get big mentions
Budget 2026 Key Takeaways: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026 today, outlining the government's economic direction for the fiscal year. Key announcements included significant changes to the income tax structure, with no tax up to Rs 12 lakh income in the new regime. The budget also focused on spurring agricultural growth, boosting manufacturing, and supporting MSMEs.

Boost to metals & mining sector in FY27 budget signals self-reliant India: Experts
The Union Budget for FY27 prioritizes strengthening India's industrial and manufacturing sectors, with a significant focus on metals, mining, and MSMEs. Key proposals include dedicated corridors in mineral-rich states and import duty exemptions for critical mineral processing, aiming to boost domestic production and exports. These measures are expected to create millions of jobs and enhance economic independence.

Budget 2026: Centre to develop rare earth corridors to reduce China dependence
This announcement builds on the scheme to promote the manufacturing of sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) approved by the government last year, with an outlay of Rs 7,280 crore.

Budget 2026: Sitharaman pitches rare earth corridors in four states as India counters China supply risks
Union Budget 2026: India is set to boost its rare earth capabilities. The government will support states like Odisha and Kerala to establish dedicated rare earth corridors. This move aims to reduce import dependence and build a complete domestic ecosystem. Initiatives include incentives for permanent magnet production and recycling of critical minerals.

Budget 2026 bonus for Tamil Nadu: From rare earth corridor to high-speed rail, what Sitharaman proposed for the poll-bound state
Budget 2026: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27. The budget includes significant proposals for Tamil Nadu. Rare earth mineral corridors will be established in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Seven high-speed rail corridors are planned, including Hyderabad-Chennai. A coconut promotion scheme will boost production in key states. The minister wore a magenta Kanjeevaram saree.

Budget 2026: GMDC shares rally 5% as FM Sitharaman announces rare earth corridor
GMDC and NMDC shares rose after the Budget 2026 announced a dedicated rare earths corridor aimed at building a complete critical minerals supply chain. With states like Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Kerala set to become key hubs, the move boosts long-term prospects for India’s rare earth and mining companies.

How the Budget could accelerate India’s critical minerals mission
Budget Expectation 2026: India is aggressively pursuing critical mineral security through its National Critical Mineral Mission, aiming to build a domestic value chain for lithium, rare earths, and other strategic minerals. The nation is focusing on both mining and recycling to ensure supply chain resilience and foster industrial leadership in emerging technologies.

Budget 2026 should back processing, recycling of critical minerals: Deloitte India report
The upcoming Union Budget 2026 should expand its focus beyond exploration and mining to include targeted support for processing and recycling of critical minerals and rare earths, along with risk-mitigation mechanisms for overseas mineral assets to achieve self-sufficiency and stem reliance on imports, noted Deloitte India

Number of companies register for Rs 1,500 cr incentive scheme for recycling critical minerals: Govt
A significant number of companies have registered for India's Rs 1,500-crore incentive scheme to boost critical mineral recycling capacity. The initiative, part of the Rs 16,300-crore National Critical Mineral Mission, aims to enhance domestic supply chain resilience for green energy technologies. Applications are open until April 1, 2026.

India pushes for e-waste recycling to recover critical minerals
India is boosting its capacity to recycle electronic waste and recover critical minerals. A new Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme will encourage companies to extract valuable metals like lithium and cobalt from e-waste and used batteries. This initiative aims to reduce import reliance and formalize the recycling industry.

Critical mineral issue: Framework likely to address waste recycling
The Union mines ministry will formalize feedstock collection for critical mineral recycling through the extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework. This integration of waste into the recycling ecosystem aims to boost local recyclers and address concerns about informal collection and skill gaps.

Supply chain, e-waste issues can hit critical mineral plan
A new government incentive plan for critical mineral recycling faces cautious reception from industry players. Challenges like informal e-waste collection and supply chain gaps could hinder its success. The plan aims to boost domestic extraction of vital metals from batteries and gadgets. Industry experts believe technology acquisition and workforce development are crucial for realizing the plan's potential.
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