India holds workshop on offshore mining, reviews auction plan

The development of environmentally friendly and sustainable offshore mining and the technology to enable it was the main topic of a workshop held in Delhi.

New Delhi: According to a press release from the mines ministry, a workshop on the future of offshore mining in India was held there on Wednesday. Reviewing the proposed offshore mineral auction’s draft regulations was another chance offered by the event.

Additional Secretary of Mines Sanjay Lohiya, Secretary of Earth Sciences M. Ravichandran, and Secretary of Mines V.L. Kantha Rao were present during the workshop. Participants in the training included representatives from various government departments, state governments, PSUs, mining corporations, prospective bidders, and industry associations.

The ministry of mining intends to use a number of strategic measures to make it easier for the projects to be funded. Additionally, the government will offer incentives to private and startup businesses so they can work on developing offshore mining technology in India.

Ravichandran stressed during the event the significance of environmentally responsible and sustainable offshore mining development in India. In addition, he was open to recommendations and comments from industry participants regarding how to advance the nation’s offshore mining business.

The ministry of mines has also announced that an auction will soon take place for certain offshore mineral blocks in India’s exclusive economic zone that are used for the mining of lime mud, polymetallic nodules that include important minerals like cobalt and nickel, and building sand. The administration anticipates that shortly after the draft rules are prepared, the auction procedure will begin.

India recently organized a workshop on offshore mining to explore its potential and review auction strategies for mineral exploration in the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, industry experts, and environmental specialists, to discuss sustainable mining practices and regulatory frameworks.

Focus Areas of the Workshop

The workshop primarily focused on the prospects of offshore mineral extraction, technological advancements, and environmental considerations. Experts deliberated on methodologies to explore and extract valuable resources such as polymetallic nodules, phosphorites, and heavy mineral sands from the seabed.

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Additionally, discussions covered the auction process for offshore mineral blocks, emphasizing transparency and efficiency. The Indian government is keen on developing a structured policy framework to attract investments while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Government’s Vision and Next Steps

The Ministry of Mines is actively working on formulating a policy for offshore mineral auctions, ensuring that exploration and extraction align with international environmental standards. The workshop served as a platform to review global best practices and integrate them into India’s offshore mining roadmap.

The government aims to leverage offshore mineral resources to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen India’s position in the global mineral supply chain. By adopting advanced mining technologies and sustainable practices, India seeks to balance economic growth with environmental protection.

The workshop marks a crucial step in India’s efforts to unlock offshore mineral resources. With an upcoming auction plan under review, the country is set to tap into its vast undersea wealth while ensuring responsible mining practices. The outcome of these discussions will shape India’s offshore mining policies and future exploration initiatives.

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