The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the implementation of the National Mineral Policy for this year (2026), following a proposal submitted by the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister. The Policy was first introduced in 1999 and later revised in 2023 to reflect emerging needs in the mineral sector. The updated policy focuses on developing an up-to-date national database on mineral resources, increasing value addition to mineral exports, promoting mineral-based industries, ensuring environmentally sustainable mineral extraction, and addressing land ownership issues that arise during mining and extraction activities. According to the Cabinet decision, the revised policy has now been further aligned with the policy principles of the current Government’s national policy statement, “A Rich Country – A Beautiful Life” under the theme “Sustainable Resource Utilisation – Maximum Benefit Generation.” The approval clears the way for the formal implementation of the Policy, which is expected to guide mineral resource management and industry development in the coming years, while balancing economic benefits with environmental protection.