Ministry of Mines Organises Outreach Programme on Auction of Offshore Mineral Blocks

The Ministry of Mines organised an outreach programme in New Delhi regarding the auction of two offshore mineral blocks, namely Sewell Rise-01 (632 sq km) and West Sewell Ridge-01 (1,000 sq km), located in the Andaman Sea. Issued via a Notice Inviting Tender on October 1, 2026, the blocks contain polymetallic nodules and crusts carrying nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese, and are offered under a Composite Licence. The auction is conducted under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (as amended in 2023) and the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024. Officials highlighted policy reforms, a Critical Mineral Processing Park on the eastern coast, and partial reimbursement schemes for exploration expenses to strengthen mineral supply chains and support the energy transition.