Indian Firms Seek Dutch Expertise for Deep-Sea Mining Bids

25 Mar 2025 CW Team

Indian mining and cement companies have approached Dutch shipbuilder Royal IHC for technical assistance as they prepare to bid for deep-sea mineral blocks, two sources told Reuters.

In November 2024, India launched the first tranche of auctions for 13 offshore deep-sea mineral blocks, comprising three lime mud blocks, three construction sand blocks, and seven polymetallic nodule blocks. These blocks contain critical minerals like cobalt, copper, manganese, and nickel, essential for EVs and solar panels.

Bidding for these blocks is expected to conclude by the end of March 2025. However, unlike China, India currently lacks seabed mining expertise, prompting firms to seek international collaboration.

Royal IHC is helping Indian firms assess mining techniques and cost estimates for offshore extraction. The company is also open to supplying mining equipment if needed.

India recently hosted a government-backed virtual seminar, attended by 14 foreign mining companies from France, Namibia, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, to explore offshore mining opportunities.

To attract participation in its first-ever seabed mineral exploration, India has introduced financial incentives. However, its onshore critical minerals auction has seen limited success, with only about half of the 48 blocks awarded so far.

(Business Standard)

Image Source:www.reuters.com

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

Centre Disburses Over Rs 24,610 mn in XV Finance Commission Grants

The Union Government has released XV Finance Commission tied grants during the financial year 2025–26 to rural local bodies in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Sikkim and has released withheld portions of tied and untied grants to Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura. The total disbursal exceeded Rs 24,610 mn, with figures expressed in million (mn) thereafter. The releases cover allocations pertaining to different financial years and aim to strengthen rural local governance. State-wise disbursements included Rs 3,324.6 mn for Punjab, Rs 9,432.7 mn for Madhya Pradesh, Rs 3,47..

Centre Releases Over Rs 15 bn as XV FC Grants to Rural Bodies

The Union Government has released over Rs 15 bn in grants recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in six states. The funds comprise tied and untied grants disbursed in FY 2025–26. Telangana received Rs 2.48 bn as the first instalment of untied grants for FY 2025–26, benefitting 12600 Gram Panchayats (GPs). Uttarakhand received Rs 913.1 mn as the second instalment and an additional Rs 18.4 mn of a withheld first instalment was released to a further 216 GPs. Mizoram is included among beneficiary st..

Government Assures Fuel Supplies And Seafarer Safety Amid West Asia Developments

The Government of India has stepped up coordinated measures to maintain stability in critical sectors as developments in West Asia continue to unfold. It has prioritised uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguarded maritime operations and extended consular assistance to nationals. Central authorities are working with State and Union territory administrations to ensure timely information dissemination and operational continuity. Refineries are reported to be operating at high capacity with adequate inventories of petrol and diesel, and domestic LPG production has been increased to support consump..