Notification under second proviso to sub section 1 of section 4 of MMDR Act 1957

**Executive Summary** This notification, issued by the Ministry of Mines on July 21, 2026, officially designates M/s Geo Consultants Private Limited as an accredited exploration agency under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The agency is authorized to conduct prospecting operations for a period of five years, effective from the date of publication. Authorization is contingent upon the maintenance of valid accreditation and adherence to specific government guidelines issued in August 2021. **Key Points / Main Content** **Agency Notification and Classification** * M/s Geo Consultants Private Limited is notified as an authorized exploration agency under the second proviso to sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. * The agency has been assigned to Category ‘A’ for exploration purposes. * This notification follows the agency obtaining accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training of the Quality Council of India. **Operational Requirements** * The agency is mandated to carry out prospecting operations in strict compliance with guidelines specified in Order No. M.VI-16/15/2021-Mines VI, dated August 12, 2021. **Validity and Commencement** * The notification comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (July 21, 2026). * The authorization remains valid for five years or until the expiry or termination of the agency's accreditation, whichever occurs earlier. **Impact Analysis** **M/s Geo Consultants Private Limited** **Impact** The agency is now legally empowered to function as a Category ‘A’ exploration agency for mining and mineral development projects under the 1957 Act. **Action Required** The agency must conduct all prospecting operations in accordance with the August 12, 2021, regulatory guidelines and ensure its accreditation with the Quality Council of India remains active and valid. **Ministry of Mines / Central Government** **Impact** The government expands its capacity for mineral exploration by certifying a private entity to perform statutory prospecting tasks. **Action Required** The Ministry must oversee the agency's adherence to the specified guidelines and monitor the five-year validity period of this notification. **Quality Council of India (National Accreditation Board for Education and Training)** **Impact** The Board’s accreditation serves as the foundational requirement for the government’s notification of the agency. **Action Required** The Board must manage the ongoing accreditation status of the agency, as any termination of accreditation will automatically invalidate this government notification.

Key Entities Referenced