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 Transport

06 Aug 2026

Surya Roshni delivers customised lighting for NCRTC RRTS stations

Surya Roshni has supplied customised indoor lighting solutions for 18 elevated stations on the National Capital Region Transport Corporation's (NCRTC) Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), strengthening its presence in India's infrastructure lighting segment.The project involved the design and deployment of lighting systems for platforms, concourses, foot overbridges (FOBs) and back-of-house (BOH) areas. According to the company, the luminaires were developed specifically to meet NCRTC's design, operational and performance requirements rather than using standard products.Surya introduced two custo..

Hilton debuts Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam

Hilton has opened NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the debut of the Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam and expanding its lifestyle hospitality portfolio in Southeast Asia.Located along the Co Co River in Cam Thanh village, the 174-key resort provides access to Hoi An Ancient Town, Cua Dai Beach and the Cam Thanh Nipa Forest. The property has been designed by Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, incorporating biophilic architecture, locally sourced materials and riverfront landscapes.The resort offers a mix of guest rooms and suites, including family-frien..

Electrent expands lithium energy storage system portfolio

Electrent Energy has expanded its lithium-based energy storage portfolio with the launch of the ESS 850 and ESS 1050, targeting compact and maintenance-free power backup solutions for Indian homes.The new systems integrate a Home UPS and a LiFePO4 lithium battery into a single unit, extending the company's product range following the launch of its ESS 1350 and ESS 2500 models.Designed for apartments and smaller homes, the ESS 850 provides up to 1 hour 15 minutes of backup, while the ESS 1050 offers up to 1 hour 45 minutes on a typical 400 W household load. The systems can power essential appli..