Ministry of Mines classifies Barytes, Felspar, Mica and Quartz as Major Minerals

Ministry of Mines placed Barytes Felspar Mica and Quartz under major minerals category which moves these substances away from minor minerals list. The National Critical Mineral Mission drives this change because it seeks to improve the exploration activities and extraction processes and scientific mining of these essential minerals for energy sector alongside electronics and healthcare as well as space technology industries.

Reasons for Reclassification

• The Government of India approved the National Critical Mineral Mission on January 29, 2025.

• The important elements Lithium Beryl Niobium Tantalum exist in these minerals but their reporting was omitted during minor mineral extraction.

• The process of reclassification enables the proper extraction and use of important minerals found within the deposits.

Industrial Importance

• Quartz, Felspar, and Mica: Found in pegmatite rocks, key sources of minerals essential for energy transition, space technology, and healthcare.

• Baryte serves various industries including drilling operations alongside electronics production, radiation defense units, TV monitor fabrication and rubber manufacturing together with glass and ceramic industries and medical equipment applications.

Impact of Reclassification

• The process promotes mines that conduct scientific operations and discovers new mineral locations.

• The procedure aims to extract critical minerals properly and generates accurate reporting records.

• All current leases under the MMDR Act, 1957 now include a 50-year duration extension.

• The distribution pattern of state authority finances stays the same.

• All mines that operate in Indian territory must register at Indian Bureau of Mines and follow major mineral regulations established by this institution.

• The new legislation contains a transition framework allowing organizations time to carry out implementation until June 30, 2025.

Conclusion

Barytes Felspar Mica and Quartz received major mineral designation by Indian authorities as a crucial advancement in the nation's critical mineral research. The decision will create new opportunities for scientific mining practices while improving industrial applications and resource usage which will propel India towards enhanced technology development and economic growth.