Economy
India Opens 1,632 sq km Offshore Mineral Blocks to Bidders
India is auctioning two Andaman Sea offshore mineral blocks covering 1,632 square kilometres.
What happened
The Mines Ministry held an outreach programme on October 13 for two Andaman Sea blocks: Sewell Rise-01, covering 632 square kilometres, and West Sewell Ridge-01, covering 1,000 square kilometres. Both contain polymetallic nodules and crust and are being offered under composite licences. Bids must be submitted by December 28, 2026, with partial exploration-cost reimbursement available to licence holders.
Why it matters
The blocks contain nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese, minerals used in industry and emerging technologies. The auction also creates a structured route for private exploration under updated rules.
Source: Press Information Bureau (India)