Ministry of Mines to Launch Auction of Offshore Mineral Blocks in Andaman Sea

The Ministry of Mines is launching the auction of two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea region for the grant of a Composite Licence. Conducted under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 and the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024, the initiative aims to unlock India's offshore mineral potential, encourage systematic exploration, and attract private sector investment. The blocks contain important minerals like cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper, and rare earth elements, which are vital for clean energy transitions, electric mobility, and strategic industries.