<h1>Parliament passes Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act 2025 to modernize sector and boost critical mineral supply chains</h1> Parliament enacted the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025, to liberalize and modernize the mineral sector with emphasis on critical and strategic minerals. The bill, passed by both houses after debate, renames the National Mineral Exploration Trust to the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust and expands its mandate and funding to support exploration and development domestically and internationally. The amendments aim to address outdated legal frameworks, fragmented leases and accountability gaps, promote greater transparency, sustainability, community participation and welfare in mining areas, and support measures to boost domestic production and secure overseas supplies of critical minerals.