India’s smaller steel manufacturers are raising concerns over the Centre’s proposal to eliminate area limits on mining leases, warning it could lead to market domination by large players. The proposed amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, seeks to remove restrictions on the total mining area a company can hold for key minerals, including iron ore.

Smaller firms and industry associations argue that scrapping the cap would allow large corporations to accumulate vast mining resources, marginalizing smaller players and disrupting supply access. They fear this could lead to artificial scarcity in the market, inflated raw material costs, and reduced competitiveness for mid-sized and emerging steel producers.

Industry voices emphasize that while increasing efficiency and resource development is important, fair access to raw materials must be preserved to ensure a balanced and competitive steel ecosystem. The government has opened the proposal for public consultation, inviting feedback from stakeholders before proceeding with policy changes.

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between encouraging large-scale investment and safeguarding equitable industry participation in India's fast-evolving steel and mining sectors.

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