Mineral Exploration Services Under SAC Code 998343
Mineral exploration services support mining and metal companies in locating, testing and assessing mineral deposits. In simple terms, these services help project owners understand whether an area has enough mineral potential to move into detailed study and eventual mining.
SAC 998343 is used when the primary service is mineral exploration and evaluation services for mining and resource projects. It covers work such as geological mapping, sampling, drilling support, assay interpretation and estimation of mineral resources or reserves at early stages.
Selecting SAC 998343 for such assignments makes it clear that the focus is commercial mineral exploration and evaluation, not general geological consulting or construction work, and aligns GST treatment with the nature of the resource project.
Mineral Exploration Services GST Rate for SAC Code 998343
From a GST angle, mineral exploration services are treated as supply of services. The taxable value typically includes professional fees for planning campaigns, supervising field work, analysing samples, preparing resource estimates and issuing technical reports, along with related support charges under the same assignment.
After the September 2025 GST revision, mineral exploration services continue to come under the standard 18% slab, similar to other consulting and technical project services with no specific exemption. Business recipients can generally claim input tax credit when exploration work is used for making taxable supplies in their mining or resource operations, subject to ITC eligibility rules.
The table below sets out the current standard GST rate for SAC code 998343.
| Code | Description | Old GST Rate (till 21 Sep 2025) |
New GST Rate (from 22 Sep 2025) |
Notes on change / inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 998343 | Mineral exploration and evaluation | 18% with ITC | 18% with ITC | Mineral exploration / evaluation services are grouped with 99834 scientific and technical services. Normal work continues at 18% GST. |
In day to day billing, exploration firms should levy 18% GST on their fees, clearly state SAC 998343 on tax invoices and keep this code consistently in their project wise and GST records for resource exploration income.
Explore Other SAC Codes Under 9983
SAC 998343 falls under heading 9983, which covers geological consulting, subsurface surveying, surface survey, weather services and other related technical activities. Each six digit SAC helps separate pure consulting, underground investigations, surface mapping and data based services.
These are the main related six-digit SAC codes under 9983.
Within this group, mineral exploration work is normally classified under SAC 998343, while pure geological advice, subsurface utility detection, topographic surveys or weather analysis should be placed against their own dedicated codes in the same heading.
Conclusion
SAC 998343 is meant for mineral exploration services where professionals search for and evaluate mineral deposits for mining and resource projects. These services are generally taxed at 18% under GST, and eligible business clients can usually claim ITC on such costs when linked to taxable mining or processing activities. Consistently billing under SAC 998343 with the correct GST rate in % helps exploration companies keep their project and tax records well organised.
Important Disclaimer
The entire content on this page has been arranged to the best of the author's understanding and is subject to periodic updates as per the law for the time being in force. The above does not constitute professional advice or a formal recommendation. While due care has been taken in preparing this content, the existence of mistakes and omissions cannot be ruled out. BUSY Infotech Private Ltd. and its associates will not be held responsible for any loss or damage arising from any inaccurate or incomplete information in this document. We recommend consulting a professional tax consultant before acting on the information contained in this piece of content.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is SAC code 998343 in GST for mineral exploration?
SAC 998343 is used for mineral exploration and evaluation services. It includes surveys, drilling supervision, sampling, resource estimation and feasibility studies for coal, metal ores, industrial minerals and other natural deposits. These services help mining companies decide if a deposit is commercially viable for development.
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Does SAC 998343 cover mining surveys, mineral evaluation and resource assessment?
Yes. Geological mapping, exploration drilling planning, sample analysis advisory, reserve estimation, deposit modelling and technical reporting for mining licences typically fall under SAC 998343. These services support decisions on mine planning, investment and regulatory approvals by giving a clear picture of quantity and quality of minerals.
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What GST rate applies to mineral exploration services under SAC 998343?
Mineral exploration and evaluation services under SAC 998343 are usually taxed at 18%. GST is applied on consulting retainers, survey contracts and project based fees. In some cases where services qualify as exports, they may be zero rated, if all export of services conditions are properly met.
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Should exploration licences and drilling campaigns use SAC 998343 on bills?
Yes. When the work relates to exploration, sampling and evaluation before regular mining starts, invoices for professional services generally mention SAC 998343. However, supplies of drilling rigs, mining equipment or pure contract mining work are classified under different HSN or SAC codes, not under this exploration code.
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Can mining companies claim ITC on GST paid for SAC 998343 services?
Registered mining companies can generally claim Input Tax Credit on GST charged under SAC 998343, as these services directly support their taxable mining business. They should maintain exploration contracts, technical reports and GST compliant invoices as evidence that the services are used for business and not for personal purposes.