No Private Entry in Offshore Atomic Mineral Mining

06 Aug 2025 CW Team

The Ministry of Mines has clarified that recent media reports claiming the Union Government has allowed private sector participation in the exploration and mining of atomic minerals such as uranium and thorium in offshore regions are misleading and factually incorrect.

The Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025, notified on 14 July 2025, outline that only the Government, Government-owned companies, or corporations are eligible for operating rights related to atomic minerals. These rules do not permit private entities to undertake exploration or mining activities in this domain.

This framework is consistent with the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2023, which amended the original 2002 Act and came into effect on 17 August 2023. As per the first proviso to Section 6 of the amended Act, atomic minerals listed in Part B of the First Schedule to the MMDR Act, 1957, can only be explored and mined by the Government or its undertakings, and only under specific conditions and threshold values notified by the Centre.

Section 35 of the OAMDR Act, 2002 empowers the Central Government to formulate rules for the Act’s implementation. The 2025 rules were framed in consultation with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the nodal authority for regulating atomic minerals.

The Ministry stressed that atomic mineral exploration and mining remains strictly regulated due to national security and strategic concerns. It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and adherence to the legislative framework governing atomic minerals in India.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..