India Extends Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Deadline to one May
ECONOMY & POLICY

India Extends Deep-Sea Mineral Auction Deadline to one May

India has extended the deadline for bids on thirteen offshore deep-sea mineral blocks until one May, according to the Ministry of Mines. The auction, launched in November, covers blocks containing key critical minerals like cobalt, copper, manganese and nickel — all vital for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies.

The blocks include three lime mud zones, three for construction sand, and seven rich in polymetallic nodules. Initially set to close on 27 February, the bid deadline was first extended to two April and now to one May following requests from interested companies seeking more time to evaluate the areas.

A ministry source said the extension is aimed at ensuring wider industry participation. Meanwhile, opposition parties have raised concerns over potential environmental damage. Protests have also emerged in Kerala, led by local fishermen.

The mines ministry stated it consulted the environment and fisheries departments before launching the auction. Despite limited expertise in seabed mining, Indian firms are reportedly seeking help from international players like Dutch shipbuilder Royal IHC.

India sees this auction as crucial to securing raw materials for its energy transition goals, including adding 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Source: Reuters

India has extended the deadline for bids on thirteen offshore deep-sea mineral blocks until one May, according to the Ministry of Mines. The auction, launched in November, covers blocks containing key critical minerals like cobalt, copper, manganese and nickel — all vital for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies. The blocks include three lime mud zones, three for construction sand, and seven rich in polymetallic nodules. Initially set to close on 27 February, the bid deadline was first extended to two April and now to one May following requests from interested companies seeking more time to evaluate the areas. A ministry source said the extension is aimed at ensuring wider industry participation. Meanwhile, opposition parties have raised concerns over potential environmental damage. Protests have also emerged in Kerala, led by local fishermen. The mines ministry stated it consulted the environment and fisheries departments before launching the auction. Despite limited expertise in seabed mining, Indian firms are reportedly seeking help from international players like Dutch shipbuilder Royal IHC. India sees this auction as crucial to securing raw materials for its energy transition goals, including adding 500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Source: Reuters

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Set to Launch by 2028

India’s first bullet train is set to revolutionize high-speed travel along the western corridor, with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project aiming for a 2028 launch. This announcement marks a major milestone in India’s infrastructure goals, as it promises to reduce travel time between the two economic hubs from eight hours to just three.Spanning a planned 508-kilometre stretch, the corridor stands as a flagship example of Indo-Japanese collaboration in technology and engineering. Once operational, the train is expected to transform intercity mobility and place India among the select..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Mumbai-Gandhinagar Train Service Enhances Passenger Capacity

The Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express has increased its passenger capacity by adding four additional AC chair car coaches to meet the growing commuter demand on one of India’s busiest business corridors. This upgrade, effective from 11 May, raised the train’s seating capacity from 1,128 to 1,440 passengers, allowing it to serve 936 more passengers daily in both directions. The increase was described as a practical measure to accommodate the surging demand on the busy Mumbai–Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar route, which regularly operates at over 150 percent seat occupancy...

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Delhi Plans 12 Sewage Plants to Clean Najafgarh Drain Efficiently

Delhi’s ambitious plan to improve the water quality of the Yamuna River has gained significant momentum as the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has begun work on 12 new sewage treatment plants (STPs) aimed at reducing the volume of untreated sewage being discharged from the Najafgarh Drain.This initiative forms part of the ongoing efforts to clean the Yamuna and restore the river’s health, which has long been a critical environmental issue for the national capital. Given the alarming pollution levels in the Yamuna, experts and officials consider this project a vital step toward addressing the persist..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?