New Delhi, October 2: The Ministry of Mines has launched the auction of two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea for granting Composite Licences, with the two blocks together covering more than 1,632 square kilometres.
Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra virtually launched the auction on October 1 in the presence of Joint Secretary and Administering Authority Kadam Sandeep Vasant and other senior ministry officials.
The two blocks – Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01 – contain polymetallic nodules and crusts hosting minerals including cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and rare earth elements.
Sewell Rise-01 is located in the southern part of Sewell Rise in the Andaman Sea, while West Sewell Ridge-01 is located off Great Nicobar Island.
According to the ministry, the minerals found in these offshore deposits are important for advanced manufacturing, clean energy technologies, electric mobility, electronics and other strategic applications.
Speaking at the launch, Chandra highlighted offshore mineral resources as a new frontier for India’s mineral sector and said their systematic exploration could complement efforts to increase domestic mineral availability.
He also emphasised the need for the scientific, technological and environmentally responsible development of offshore resources and urged prospective bidders, explorers and other industry stakeholders to participate in the auction.
The sale of tender documents began on October 1. A pre-bid conference is scheduled for November 4, while the deadline for submitting queries is November 13.
Tender documents can be purchased until 5 pm on December 21, while the deadline for submitting bids is 5 pm on December 28, 2026.
The blocks will be auctioned electronically under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, and the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024, as amended from time to time.
The ministry said the auction is part of efforts to advance the systematic exploration and development of India’s offshore mineral resources while attracting investment and building technological capabilities for responsible resource development.
