India advances offshore mineral exploration through auction of two blocks
By Staff Report 1 October 14, 2026 6:14 pm IST
The Ministry of Mines held an outreach programme in New Delhi to explain auction procedures, regulations and exploration support for two offshore mineral blocks.
The Ministry of Mines, Government of India, held an outreach programme on the auction of offshore mineral blocks in New Delhi on 13 October 2026. The programme offered prospective bidders and stakeholders an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the two offshore mineral blocks put up for auction, the applicable policy and regulatory framework, the bidding process, and the support available for exploration activities.
The Ministry issued the Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) on 1 October 2026, inviting bids for the grant of operating rights for two offshore mineral blocks, Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01, situated in the Andaman Sea. Both blocks contain polymetallic nodules and crusts and are being auctioned for the grant of a Composite Licence. Sewell Rise-01 spans 632 square kilometres, while West Sewell Ridge-01 covers 1,000 square kilometres, bringing the total area offered for auction to 1,632 square kilometres.
Keshav Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, underscored the need to strengthen India’s mineral supply chains to drive economic growth, advance technology, support the energy transition and enhance manufacturing competitiveness. He also highlighted the potential of the Critical Mineral Processing Park being developed on India’s eastern coast to support offshore mineral processing.
Dr. Veena Kumari Dermal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, outlined the policy reforms introduced to promote the transparent and responsible development of India’s offshore mineral resources. Taking into consideration feedback from stakeholders, the Ministry has revised the block configurations, including expanding the area of polymetallic nodule and crust blocks to offer greater operational flexibility for offshore exploration. She further stated that the Terms of Reference and Guidelines for Baseline Environmental Data Collection and Environmental Management Plans for offshore mineral exploration and exploitation within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone have been circulated to the concerned Central Ministries and Departments for their comments and are expected to be finalised shortly.
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) provided an overview of the offshore mineral blocks, covering their geological features and mineral potential. SBI Capital Markets Limited (SBICAPS), acting as the Transaction Advisor, explained the policy framework, auction process, tender provisions and bidding requirements. MSTC, the auction platform provider, demonstrated the step-by-step process for purchasing tender documents and submitting bids through the e-auction portal.
The National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMEDT) outlined its scheme for the partial reimbursement of exploration expenses incurred by Composite Licence holders of offshore mineral blocks. The presentation also detailed the support available to facilitate exploration activities.
An open-house session provided participants with an opportunity to engage with the Ministry and the organisations involved in the auction. Prospective bidders and other stakeholders raised queries, sought clarifications and shared their views on the mineral blocks, tender conditions, auction procedures and support available for exploration.
The auction is being conducted in accordance with the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, as amended in 2023, and the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024, as amended. The framework aims to ensure transparency in the allocation of offshore mineral resources while promoting systematic exploration and the responsible development of India’s offshore mineral potential.
Polymetallic nodules and crusts contain minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese, which are vital for a range of industrial applications and emerging technologies. The initiative is part of the Government of India’s efforts to promote offshore mineral exploration and strengthen the country’s mineral resource base. Systematic exploration will be crucial to establishing the mineral potential of the blocks and evaluating their prospects for future development.
As per the auction schedule, the sale of tender documents began on 1 October 2026, with the pre-bid conference scheduled for 4 November 2026 and 13 November 2026 set as the last date for submitting queries. Interested bidders can purchase the tender documents until 21 December 2026, while the deadline for bid submission is 28 December 2026.
Source: PIB
