FEDERATION OF INDIAN MINERAL INDUSTRIES vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court addressed the establishment of the District Mineral Foundation under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, particularly focusing on the amendments introduced by the Ordinance of January 12, 2015. The Court held that the holder of a mining lease must contribute to the District Mineral Foundation, which is aimed at benefiting areas affected by mining operations, as stipulated in Section 9B of the MMDR Act. The Court affirmed the legality of the provisions requiring additional payments to the DMF, emphasizing the statutory obligation of mining leaseholders.