The Indian ministry of mines has prepared a detailed Strategic Plan document unlocking the Potential of the Indian Minerals Sector in order to systematize the functioning of the Ministry and align it more directly with the vision emanating from the National Mineral Policy.

The Strategic plan has identified that the Indian minerals sector holds a huge potential for all stakeholders, including the central government, state government, community and the entire economy. With the right kind of support, the mining sector has the potential to significantly contribute to the GDP and also improve the revenues of royalty and taxes.

The Strategic Plan has identified the six priorities to achieve the objectives. These priorities are
1. Expanding resource and reserve base by stepping up exploration and aiding international acquisition of strategic minerals
2. Reducing permit delays to create a more favourable policy environment
3. Setting up core enablers for mining infrastructure, human capital and technology
4. Ensuring sustainable mining and development
5. Creating an information, education and communication plan and
6. Establishing the right governance structure for effective implementation.

1. Sustainable development framework

Based on the report of the High Level Committee constituted by the Planning Commission to review the National Mineral Policy 1993 as part of the process of bringing in International Standards into the Mining Sector, best practices in environment management, appropriate use of land within a planning framework through a decision making process on the basis of integrated assessment of ecological, environmental, economical and social impact are being incorporated into Mining based activities.

The Ministry engaged an expert consultant for creating a Sustainable Development Framework for the mining sector. The consultant, taking into consideration that mining should contribute to economic, social and cultural wellbeing of indigenous host populations and local communities by creating stakeholders interest in mining operations for the project affected people has prepared a document and submitted to the Government. A wider dissemination of the SDF has been undertaken and the SDF document is being finalized before its final roll out.