The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation Act, 1957, ('MMDR') and the Mines Act, 1952, together with the rules and regulations framed under them, constitute the basic laws governing the mining sector in India.

The relevant rules in force under the MMDR Act, are the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, and the Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988. The health and safety of the workers is governed by the Mines Rules, 1955 created under the jurisdiction of the Mines Act, 1952.

The Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 outline the procedures and conditions for obtaining a Prospecting License or Mining Lease. The Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988 lays down guidelines for ensuring mining on a scientific basis, while at the same time, conserving the environment. The provisions of Mineral Concession Rules and Mineral Conservation and Development Rules are, however, not applicable to coal, atomic minerals and minor minerals. The minor minerals are separately notified and come under the purview of the State Governments. The State Government has for this purpose formulated the Madhya Pradesh Minor Mineral Rules, 1996 , Madhya Pradesh Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules,2006 , The Madhya Pradesh Gramin Avsanrachna Tatha Sadak Vikas Adhiniyam , 2005, Madhya Pradesh Gramin Avsanrachna Tatha Sadak Vikas Niyam, 2005.