Notification under Sub section 1 of section 4 of the MMDR Act 1957.

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Mines issued a notification on July 24, 2026, to authorize M/s S K Khetan Infraprojects Private Limited as a Category ‘A’ exploration agency under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The authorization is valid for five years from the date of publication or until the agency’s accreditation expires or is terminated. All prospecting operations must strictly comply with specific guidelines issued by the Ministry in August 2021. **Key Points / Main Content** **Notification of Exploration Agency** * **Authorized Agency:** M/s S K Khetan Infraprojects Private Limited is officially notified as an exploration agency. * **Classification:** The agency is assigned to Category ‘A’ for the purposes of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. * **Legal Authority:** The notification is issued under the powers conferred by the second proviso to sub-section (1) of section 4 of the Act. **Compliance and Accreditation** * **Accreditation Requirement:** The notification follows the agency obtaining accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET) of the Quality Council of India. * **Operational Guidelines:** Prospecting operations must be conducted in compliance with Order No. M.VI-16/15/2021-Mines VI dated August 12, 2021. **Validity and Commencement** * **Effective Date:** The notification came into force on July 24, 2026 (the date of publication in the Official Gazette). * **Duration:** The authorization remains valid for a maximum period of five years. * **Termination Clauses:** Validity may end earlier if the granted accreditation expires or is terminated. **Impact Analysis** **M/s S K Khetan Infraprojects Private Limited** **Impact** The company is now legally empowered to conduct Category ‘A’ prospecting operations as an authorized exploration agency under the MMDR Act, 1957. **Action Required** The agency must ensure all prospecting activities adhere to the conditions specified in the August 12, 2021, guidelines and maintain its accreditation with the Quality Council of India to remain valid. **Ministry of Mines / Central Government** **Impact** The Ministry expands the pool of recognized exploration agencies to facilitate the development and regulation of mines and minerals. **Action Required** The Ministry will need to oversee the agency’s compliance with statutory provisions and monitor the five-year validity period of the notification. **Quality Council of India (National Accreditation Board for Education and Training)** **Impact** Their accreditation serves as the mandatory prerequisite for the government’s recognition of the exploration agency. **Action Required** The Board is responsible for the ongoing management, renewal, or potential termination of the agency's accreditation, which directly affects the notification's validity.

Key Entities Referenced