Central government intends to allow offshore mining

24 Feb 2023 CW Team

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.

Technology

28 Oct 2025

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..