TFP Bureau, New Delhi, May 15, 2024: The Ministry of Mines organized a workshop on Offshore Mining today in New Delhi. The event was attended by key dignitaries including Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Shri V.L. Kantha Rao; Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran, and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Shri Sanjay Lohiya. Representatives from various Central Government Ministries, State Governments, government organizations, public sector undertakings (PSUs), mining companies, potential bidders, and industry associations were also present at the workshop.
In his keynote address, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Shri V.L. Kantha Rao, underscored the significance of offshore mining in bolstering the country’s strategic advantage by driving industrial growth, creating employment opportunities, and ensuring energy security. He assured attendees that the Ministry of Mines is actively engaged in strategic initiatives to develop this emerging sector and encouraged startups and private companies to innovate technology for offshore mining activities in India. Shri Rao also welcomed feedback from industry bodies on draft rules aimed at facilitating ease of doing business and promoting the offshore mining sector in India. He urged industry stakeholders to prepare for participating in upcoming auctions and undertaking offshore mining activities.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, emphasized the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly offshore mining development in India. He stressed the need for technological advancements to harness India’s maritime potential and called for collaboration and knowledge sharing from industry stakeholders to establish India as a leader in offshore mining.
Officials from the Ministry of Mines provided an overview of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act) and the draft rules, which are open for stakeholder consultation on the Ministry’s website. The Ministry announced plans to auction identified offshore mineral blocks in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone for mining lime-mud, polymetallic nodules containing critical minerals like cobalt and nickel, and construction sand.
Expert-led sessions were conducted during the workshop by organizations including the Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Directorate General of Hydrocarbon, National Institute of Oceanography in Goa, and National Institute of Ocean Technology in Chennai.
Domestic and international participants actively engaged in discussions, sharing insights into offshore exploration and mining technologies, industry expectations, and suggestions. The workshop concluded with a question and answer session, where the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Mines addressed queries from stakeholders attending both in-person and virtually.
