India Opens Up Offshore Areas for Mineral Exploration

The Indian government has announced the availability of several offshore blocks for mineral exploration and production. The blocks, spread across the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, are rich in various minerals, including Construction Sand, Lime Mud and Polymetallic Nodules and Crusts.

Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024

Offshore areas will only be available for grant of operating rights after being notified in the Official Gazette by the administering authority. The government, government companies, or corporations have the priority to obtain operating rights for reserved offshore areas.

Draft Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) Notified

Several activities will be prohibited or regulated within the ESA, including mining, expansion of existing polluting industries, and large-scale construction projects. Existing mining operations will be phased out within five years. However, existing healthcare facilities and repair/extension of residential houses are exempted.