Mines Ministry Launches First-Ever Tranche of Offshore Mineral Blocks for Auction

04 Dec 2024 CW Team

The Ministry of Mines launched India’s first-ever auction of 13 offshore mineral blocks, marking the country’s entry into the exploration and development of undersea mineral resources.

The auction was inaugurated by Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy, who highlighted the significance of the initiative for India’s blue economy and its progress toward self-reliance. The 13 blocks, located within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), include a variety of minerals such as construction sand, lime mud, and polymetallic nodules.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy emphasized that these offshore minerals, which include valuable resources like copper, nickel, and cobalt, are crucial for India’s infrastructure, electric vehicles, and renewable energy sectors. He also assured that the government is committed to sustainable mining practices to minimize environmental impacts.

The Ministry is launching several measures to make the business of offshore mining more streamlined, with the aim of reducing India’s reliance on mineral imports. The offshore mineral reserves in India are estimated to be rich in resources, which could help meet the country’s growing demand and support the nation's Net Zero goals by 2070.

The auction’s first tranche will include seven polymetallic nodule blocks, three construction sand blocks, and three lime mud blocks.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Oct 2025

Recycling Leaders Push for Policy Reforms in India

As India prepares for the largest recycling-focused event in its history, industry leaders are making a strong case for policy reforms to unlock the country’s circular economy potential. Ahead of the Bharat Recycling Show (BRS) 2025, co-located with Plastics Recycling Show (PRS) India, a high-level panel discussion in Mumbai spotlighted the urgent need for regulatory clarity, digital innovation, and integration of the informal sector.Held under the theme “Unlocking Circular Value: Regulatory and Market Trends in Recycling”, the panel brought together prominent voices from across the recy..

Environmental Hearing Set for 1000 MW Naying Hydro Project

The environmental public hearing for the 1,000 MW Naying hydroelectric project will take place on November 12 at Yapik community hall in Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh, officials confirmed. The run-of-the-river project on the Siyom (Yomgo) river is being developed by the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). Construction, including a concrete dam, underground powerhouse, and tunnel, is expected to commence around 2028, with commissioning planned by 2032. The project aims to generate approximately 4,966.77 GWh of electricity. The Naying project received Central Electricity ..

India Achieves 490 MWh Energy Storage Capacity by June 2025

India’s cumulative energy storage capacity reached 490 MWh by June 2025, according to data released by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). Of this, more than 85 per cent is associated with renewable energy projects, primarily solar and wind, reflecting the country’s accelerated shift towards grid stability and clean energy integration. The CEA report highlights that 16 energy storage systems are currently operational across 10 states, with major installations in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. These include both standalone and co-located battery systems deployed by le..