The Centre approved royalty rate for lithium, niobium, and for Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
For lithium and niobium, a royalty rate of 3% each has been fixed, while for Rare Earth Elements (REEs), the rate has been set at 1%.
For this, the Union Cabinet approved amendment of Second Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
Prior to the amendment, the Second Schedule of the MMDR Act mandated a royalty rate of 12% of ASP for all minerals not specifically provided a royalty rate.