+
Central government intends to allow offshore mining
COAL & MINING

Central government intends to allow offshore mining

The central government is launching plans for private-sector offshore mining of non-atomic minerals. The mines ministry has notified draught amendments to the Offshore Area Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act), which will pave the way for private sector participation in mining of maritime resources in India’s territorial waters along its 7,517-km coastline.

The proposed changes aim to create a transparent mechanism for distributing concessions. As an alternative to the renewal regime, it is proposed that production leases be granted through auction to private sector and state-controlled firms, in addition to a composite exploration-cum-production licence and a lease period of 50 years to attract private sector investments. However, atomic minerals will continue to be monopolised by state-owned enterprises. The joint venture will be chosen through a competitive bidding process (JV). A joint venture model in which public sector units (PSUs) hold the majority stake is also being considered.

In accordance with global concession agreements, the size of the standard block production lease area has been limited to ensure proper regulation.

The move will benefit new-age sectors such as renewable energy while also reducing India's reliance on imports.

The coastline of India stretches across nine states and four union territories, offering enormous mineral mining potential.

See also:
NMDC looks to mine lithium, nickel, cobalt in foreign lands
India's mineral production rises 9.8 per cent in December 2022


The central government is launching plans for private-sector offshore mining of non-atomic minerals. The mines ministry has notified draught amendments to the Offshore Area Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act), which will pave the way for private sector participation in mining of maritime resources in India’s territorial waters along its 7,517-km coastline. The proposed changes aim to create a transparent mechanism for distributing concessions. As an alternative to the renewal regime, it is proposed that production leases be granted through auction to private sector and state-controlled firms, in addition to a composite exploration-cum-production licence and a lease period of 50 years to attract private sector investments. However, atomic minerals will continue to be monopolised by state-owned enterprises. The joint venture will be chosen through a competitive bidding process (JV). A joint venture model in which public sector units (PSUs) hold the majority stake is also being considered. In accordance with global concession agreements, the size of the standard block production lease area has been limited to ensure proper regulation. The move will benefit new-age sectors such as renewable energy while also reducing India's reliance on imports. The coastline of India stretches across nine states and four union territories, offering enormous mineral mining potential. See also: NMDC looks to mine lithium, nickel, cobalt in foreign landsIndia's mineral production rises 9.8 per cent in December 2022

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train’s Surat-Vapi Section Set for 2027

The first section of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor, linking Surat and Vapi, is targeted to begin services in 2027. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2026, while Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has indicated that an inauguration could take place around the middle of 2027. The National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHSRCL) said the train being manufactured in India is expected to reach the tracks around April or May 2027. The train will undergo extensive testing before the section is opened for passenger services. The project began construction in 2021 and includ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Approves Four Projects Worth Rs. 7.36 bn Across Four States

Indian Railways has approved four projects with a combined value of Rs. 7.36 bn across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat. The programme covers train protection, signalling, electric traction supply and a road overbridge, with each project assigned to a different railway zone. In Uttar Pradesh, Rs. 2.52 bn has been approved to extend the Kavach 4.0 automatic train protection system across 607.7 km in the Lucknow Division of North Eastern Railway. The system monitors train movements and can apply the brakes if a driver fails to observe a signal or exceeds a safe speed. The w..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Chandru Raheja Sells 1.49% Stake in Mindspace REIT for Rs. 5 bn

Billionaire Chandru Lachmandas Raheja has sold a 1.49 per cent holding in Mindspace Business Parks REIT for Rs. 5 bn through a bulk deal on the BSE. The transaction involved 9.9 mn units and was executed at an average price of Rs. 505 per unit, according to exchange data. Following the sale, units of Mindspace Business Parks REIT were trading 0.18 per cent lower at Rs. 504.05 on Tuesday. Exchange data did not identify the buyers involved in the transaction. Raheja is the chairman of real estate company K Raheja Corp. The sale involved 99,00,990 units, representing 1.49 per cent of the Mumbai-b..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code