Page 3 - Saket Kumar

The tough race for critical minerals continues despite viability fears

While the auction of mines has attracted high bids, just how many of these mines will actually be commercially viable remains to be seen

Govt eases steel imports, launches SARAL SIMS and extends key exemptions

The Steel Ministry has eased import procedures by removing NOC requirements for non-QCO grades, extending multiple exemptions to March 2026 and launching SARAL SIMS to simplify registration for MSMEs

FIMI pushes for 15% aluminium duty, flags import surge, poor-quality scrap

FIMI has urged the Finance Ministry to raise the basic customs duty on aluminium products to 15 per cent, citing rising imports, poor-quality scrap inflows and the pressure

Govt invites applications for quality audit as Coal Exchange takes shape

Coal ministry has issued an RFQ to empanel third-party agencies for sampling and quality audits for coal and lignite traded on the upcoming Coal Exchange, marking a key regulatory step in the rollout

Govt launches ₹210 crore research programme for critical minerals

The government has rolled out a Rs 210-crore, three-year critical minerals research programme led by ANRF and the Ministry of Mines, restricted to nine Centres of Excellence

India proposes anti-dumping duties on met coke imports from six countries

DGTR flags heavy dumping from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan and Russia, citing losses and shutdowns for domestic producers

India imposes anti-dumping duty on Vietnam steel imports for 5 years

Move will curb unfair trade practices and safeguard national capacity, says Jindal

Chinese steel may be entering India via Nepal illegally, raising concerns

EU urged to recognise domestic carbon costs as CBAM nears; SIMS easing and policy changes underway

The shift: QCO rollbacks gather steam, suspended for 55 steel products

Departments begin rolling back quality orders as India finalises a trade deal with the US and weighs industry concerns on compliance burdens

Govt approves rationalisation of royalty rates for four critical minerals

The Union Cabinet approved rationalised royalty rates for graphite, caesium, rubidium and zirconium to encourage domestic mining and promote auctions of critical mineral blocks

Govt issues framework to settle compensation for cancelled coal mines

The Ministry of Coal has finalised a valuation process for firms whose coal blocks were cancelled in 2014, marking a key step in resolving compensation claims for 62 mines across seven states

Australian companies tap Indian partners amid critical mineral push

Pilot project in Jharkhand and Hyderabad tie-ups mark early gains as Australian mining technology companies eye local subsidiaries and Indian PSUs explore Queensland's mineral assets

Govt clears AMNS' slurry pipeline plan for steel plant in Andhra Pradesh

The slurry pipeline will transport iron ore in slurry form from Chhattisgarh to Andhra Pradesh, creating a cost-efficient logistics corridor that will reduce reliance on road and rail transport

EU carbon levy may tilt steel trade away from India: Kuehne + Nagel's exec

In worst-case scenario, European importers could shift towards China, says Kuehne + Nagel's exec

Coal India, DVC form ₹21,000 cr JV for thermal power project in Jharkhand

Coal India and Damodar Valley Corporation have signed a joint venture to set up a Rs 21,000-crore, 1,600 MW thermal power plant at Chandrapura in Jharkhand, expected to start operations by FY32

Coal India fast-tracks solar expansion, aims for 3 GW capacity by 2029

Coal India is accelerating its renewable energy plans and expects to reach 3,000 MW of solar capacity by 2029, with tenders for 875 MW Rajasthan projects to be finalised soon

Viability gaps threaten to trip India's race to secure critical minerals

While the auction of mines has attracted aggressive bidding - with many willing to pay high premiums - how many of those will actually be commercially viable remains to be seen

Govt eases entry for MSMEs in third round of specialty steel PLI scheme

Base year revised, thresholds relaxed to reflect current market trends

Low steel prices put ₹9 trillion expansion plan at risk: Steel secy

India's steel sector faces stress as five-year low prices force 150 small producers to close, threatening Rs 9-lakh-crore expansion plans despite strong demand and green steel prospects

Untapped mines could save India $100 bn in imports annually: CSEP study

Policy hurdles, high royalties and red tape keeping global explorers away, warns report