NATIONAL MINERAL DEV.CORPN.LTD. vs STATE OF M.P.

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of whether 'slimes' are subject to royalty under the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957, specifically referencing Section 9 regarding the levy of royalty. The Court held that slimes are indeed part of iron ore and thus exigible to royalty, affirming the High Court's decision. The ruling clarified the interpretation of minerals under the Act, reinforcing the obligation of mining leaseholders to pay royalty on all extracted minerals, including slimes.