In its latest endeavour to battle the slowdown in the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns, the government of India has proposed reforms in the mining sector by amending the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Experts on the mining sector believe the move is not only regressive and legally untenable but could also impact the rights of tribal communities and forest dwellers. The government, however, emphasised that the reforms are conscious of the environment and social concerns