Section 17A(2A) in The Mines And Minerals (Development And Regulation) Act, 1957
(2A)Where in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section ( 1A) or sub-section (2), the Central Government or the State Government, as the case may be, reserves any area for undertaking prospecting or mining operations or prospecting operations followed by mining operations, the State Government shall grant prospecting licence, mining lease or composite licence, as the case may be, in respect of such area to such Government company or corporation within the period specified in this section:Provided that in respect of any mineral specified in Part B of the First Schedule, the State Government shall grant the prospecting licence, mining lease or composite licence, as the case may be, only after obtaining the previous, approval of the Central Government.”
