Bhubaneswar, Nov 21: The Odisha Cabinet on Friday approved key amendments to the Odisha Minor Mineral Concession (OMMC) Rules, 2016, clearing the way for the rollout of an e-lottery system for quarry lease allotment across the State.

The initiative is designed to streamline the minor mineral supply chain and bridge existing gaps between supply and demand.

According to the government, the revamped framework will facilitate faster lease allotments, quicker operationalization of quarries, and more reasonable pricing of minor minerals. The e-lottery process is expected to significantly boost transparency and efficiency in the allocation system.

The amended rules also introduce provisions enabling the lawful use of minor minerals extracted during public works on private land and land leased by IDCO. These changes aim to support project proponents while reinforcing enforcement mechanisms to curb illegal mining activities.

One of the notable features of the amendment is the introduction of maximum rate capping for minor minerals, aimed at regulating market prices and preventing exploitation.

With Cabinet approval, the updated OMMC Rules, 2016, are now set to come into effect.