District Mineral Foundation (DMF) is India’s only benefit sharing mechanism which recognises the rights of mining-affected communities to benefit from mineral resources. To mark it’s 10-year milestone on March 27^th, 2025, iFOREST hosted experts in a panel discussion and released an assessment report capturing the achievements, challenges and way forward.

DMFs have collected ₹1,03,242 crore since 2015. Our projections show that the collections could be as high as ₹3,00,000 crore between 2025 – 2035. The truth is, DMFs are struggling to meet their mandate. Weak institutional structure, poor planning and implementation and lack of community participation is leading to misplaced investments.

We hosted experts such as Shri Dinesh Mahur, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India; Shri Arava Rajkamal, IAS, Secretary, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Jharkhand; Shri Tuleshwar Hira Singh Markam, MLA, Korba, Chhattisgarh; Shri Ramesh Sharma, National Coordinator, Ekta Parishad; Shri Saroj Mahapatra, Executive Director, Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN); Shri Shibanand Rath, State Manager and Ekjut; Smt. Swapna Sarangi, Head, Gender Diversity and Integration, Foundation for Ecological Security.

iFOREST recommends that DMFs should be redesigned as an independent public welfare fund, with increased representation of mining-affected communities to make it effective in reducing poverty and developing India’s mining regions.