Royalty payments for mining leases are consideration for...

Royalty payments for mining leases are consideration for licensing services to excavate and explore minerals, not sale of goods; they therefore fall under licensing services for the right to use minerals (SAC 997337) and attract GST at 9% CGST + 9% SGST (total 18%). The supply is a taxable service provided by the State to a business and tax liability arises on the recipient under the reverse charge mechanism. The service cannot be classified as supply of goods attracting a 5% rate under the transfer-of-title entry and is therefore not chargeable under that entry.

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