New offshore mining regulations permit lease surrender after 10 years
COAL & MINING

New offshore mining regulations permit lease surrender after 10 years

The Centre has announced the Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024, facilitating India's first offshore mineral auction and regulating the exploration and production of minerals in offshore regions. Under the new regulations, lessees can surrender their entire lease area after 10 years if production operations are found to be uneconomical.

Published on October 17, these rules have taken immediate effect, detailing the procedures for obtaining operating rights and managing mineral resources in designated offshore zones.

The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) has welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a significant advancement since the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act of 2002. “The option to return the lease if it becomes non-viable will enhance industry confidence. This approach should also be applied to onshore mining,” stated B K Bhatia, additional secretary general of FIMI.

This announcement precedes India's inaugural offshore mineral auction, with 10 blocks up for bidding. Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao noted in September that the blocks, located on both the East and West coasts of India, will include sand, lime mud, and polymetallic nodules.

The new rules stipulate that offshore areas will be available for mineral exploration and production only after being officially notified in the Gazette by the administering authority. Priority access will be granted to government entities or corporations for securing operating rights in reserved offshore zones.

Lease durations are specified for different entities, with production leases for government bodies set at 50 years. Composite licenses, allowing both exploration and production, will be valid for three years. Private companies can also secure exploration and production leases through a competitive auction process.

To enhance transparency in mining operations, lessees must report any mineral discoveries outside their original production lease within 60 days. They are prohibited from extracting or disposing of these newly discovered minerals until they update their production lease deed accordingly.

These regulations aim to ensure a structured approach to offshore mineral exploration while maintaining transparency and regulatory compliance.

The Centre has announced the Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024, facilitating India's first offshore mineral auction and regulating the exploration and production of minerals in offshore regions. Under the new regulations, lessees can surrender their entire lease area after 10 years if production operations are found to be uneconomical. Published on October 17, these rules have taken immediate effect, detailing the procedures for obtaining operating rights and managing mineral resources in designated offshore zones. The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) has welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a significant advancement since the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act of 2002. “The option to return the lease if it becomes non-viable will enhance industry confidence. This approach should also be applied to onshore mining,” stated B K Bhatia, additional secretary general of FIMI. This announcement precedes India's inaugural offshore mineral auction, with 10 blocks up for bidding. Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao noted in September that the blocks, located on both the East and West coasts of India, will include sand, lime mud, and polymetallic nodules. The new rules stipulate that offshore areas will be available for mineral exploration and production only after being officially notified in the Gazette by the administering authority. Priority access will be granted to government entities or corporations for securing operating rights in reserved offshore zones. Lease durations are specified for different entities, with production leases for government bodies set at 50 years. Composite licenses, allowing both exploration and production, will be valid for three years. Private companies can also secure exploration and production leases through a competitive auction process. To enhance transparency in mining operations, lessees must report any mineral discoveries outside their original production lease within 60 days. They are prohibited from extracting or disposing of these newly discovered minerals until they update their production lease deed accordingly. These regulations aim to ensure a structured approach to offshore mineral exploration while maintaining transparency and regulatory compliance.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India To Invest $37 Billion To Boost Petrochemical Capacity

India is set to become a major global player in the petrochemicals industry, driven by a planned capital expenditure of $37 billion (Rs 3.1 trillion) aimed at reducing import dependency and enhancing self-sufficiency, according to S&P Global Ratings.In its latest report titled “First China, Now India: Self-Sufficiency Goals Will Add To Petrochemicals Supply”, S&P said India’s large-scale capacity expansion—mirroring China’s earlier push—will likely intensify oversupply pressures in Asia’s petrochemical markets.Currently the world’s third-largest petrochemical consumer a..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Indian Railways Expands Global Exports Of Rail Equipment

Indian Railways has announced that it is rapidly emerging as a global exporter of railway equipment, including bogies, coaches, locomotives, and propulsion systems, under the government’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ initiative.According to an official statement, India’s railway products are now reaching over 16 international markets, reflecting the country’s growing capacity to design, develop, and deliver world-class rail solutions.Metro coaches have been exported to Australia and Canada; bogies to the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia; propulsion systems t..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

RailTel Awards Rs 163 Million Contract To RTNS Technology

RailTel Corporation of India Limited (RailTel), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Undertaking, has awarded a domestic work order worth Rs 163 million to RTNS Technology Private Limited.The contract, issued on 30 September 2025, involves the supply and installation of equipment and related services for one of RailTel’s key customers. The project underscores RailTel’s commitment to advancing technology and communication infrastructure through collaboration with domestic system integrators.RTNS Technology Private Limited, an ISO-certified system integrator, provides comprehensive solutions for perim..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?