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

Embraer to Acquire 51 Per Cent Stake in Mahindra Aerospace Arm

Brazilian aerospace major Embraer will acquire a 51 per cent equity stake in Novavayu Aerospace, a step-down subsidiary of Mahindra and Mahindra, under an Investment Agreement notified by the automobile company in an exchange filing. The transaction will give Embraer control of the aerospace business. Following completion of the acquisition, Novavayu Aerospace will cease to be a wholly owned subsidiary and become an associate of Mahindra Defence Systems, which is a step-down wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra and Mahindra. The agreement is expected to be completed on or before December 1. Mah..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

RBI Opens Special Dollar Window for Three State-Run OMCs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opened a special facility to meet the entire daily US dollar requirements of three public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs), in a move aimed at easing pressure on the Indian rupee. The facility will take effect on October 12, 2026, and remain available until further notice. Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation are eligible to use the arrangement. Under the facility, the RBI will sell US dollars to the three companies through designated banks, allowing them to meet their oil-import payments without sourc..

Next Story
Building Material

Cement Prices Likely to Rise Rs. 10-15 per Bag from Mid-October

Cement manufacturers in India are likely to raise prices by Rs. 10-15 per bag from mid-October, as they seek to offset persistent increases in power and fuel costs. Emkay Research said its channel checks indicated a high probability of an increase from October 12, supported by the start of the busy construction season and favourable demand-supply conditions. The sector had implemented similar rate adjustments of Rs. 10-15 per bag during the first quarter, but the increases were insufficient to cover higher operating costs. Prices also softened during July and August because of the monsoon, wid..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code