♦ The Ministry of Mines released the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI) and corresponding State rankings, marking what it described as a major step towards promoting mining sector reforms at the State level.

♦ The initiative also fulfils an announcement made in the Union Budget 2025–26.

♦ The index evaluates States on several parameters, including auction performance, early mine operationalisation, focus on exploration, and sustainable mining practices related to non-coal minerals.

♦ These indicators aim to capture the overall readiness and efficiency of States in facilitating mining activity and implementing reforms.

♦ Under the SMRI framework, States have been divided into three categories based on their mineral endowment.

♦ In Category A, which includes mineral-rich States, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat secured the top three ranks.

♦ Among Category B States, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam emerged as the top performers.

♦ In Category C, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Tripura claimed the leading positions.