Mines Ministry Promotes Auction of Offshore Mineral Blocks
Source:PIB ↗
ఇది ఎందుకు ముఖ్యం
Offshore mining and the auction of maritime mineral blocks represent a strategic shift toward securing critical raw materials required for clean energy transitions, technological manufacturing, and boosting India's blue economy while navigating environmental and regulatory frameworks.
సారాంశం
The Ministry of Mines hosted an outreach programme focusing on the auction of offshore mineral blocks, highlighting the strategic importance of exploring India's vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for critical minerals. Utilizing amendments to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, the program encourages industry participation to secure critical mineral supply chains, boost the blue economy, and drive sustainable resource development.
ముఖ్య అంశాలు
- The Ministry of Mines organized an outreach programme to promote the auction of offshore mineral blocks.
- The initiative aims to tap into India's vast maritime potential and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for critical and strategic minerals.
- The auction framework is governed by the amended Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, bringing transparency and private sector participation.
- Focus is laid on enhancing energy transition, reducing import dependence for critical minerals, and boosting the blue economy.
ముఖ్యమైన పదాలు
Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act
A central government legislation governing the survey, exploration, and development of mineral resources in India's territorial waters, continental shelf, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Recent amendments introduced transparent e-auctions for offshore mineral blocks.
UPSC context
UPSC Prelims/Mains (GS Paper III): Tests knowledge of maritime resource governance, economic development, and legal frameworks for critical minerals.
Ministry of Mines
The apex Union government ministry responsible for policy formulation, legislation, and regulation concerning the survey, exploration, and sustainable utilization of the nation's non-fuel and non-atomic mineral resources.
UPSC context
UPSC Prelims/Mains (GS Paper II/III): Important for governance, institutional structures, and mineral sector administration in India.
Geological Survey of India (GSI)
An attached office under the Ministry of Mines responsible for conducting national geoscientific mapping, baseline surveys, and mineral exploration, including identifying critical and strategic mineral reserves.
UPSC context
UPSC Prelims: Frequently asked regarding premier scientific institutions, mapping agencies, and mineral prospecting bodies under government ministries.
అనుసంధానమైన స్థిర భావనలు
What are the maritime zones defined under UNCLOS and India's sovereign rights within them?
- Territorial Sea: Extends up to 12 nautical miles from the baseline, where coastal states exercise full sovereignty.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Extends up to 200 nautical miles from baseline; coastal states have sovereign rights for exploring and exploiting natural resources.
- Continental Shelf: Covers seabed and subsoil beyond the EEZ; coastal states have sovereign rights over continental shelf for exploration of minerals.
అంతర-అంశ నమూనాలు
Blue Economy meets Critical Mineral Security
India's EEZ mineral push directly underpins national clean-energy manufacturing targets, connecting seabed mining to green transition supply chains and UNCLOS sovereign rights.
Offshore mineral auctions and UNCLOS jurisdiction over India's 2.3 mn sq km EEZ will likely feature in prelims economy-environment overlap.
అనుసంధాన PYQలు · 2
అనుసంధాన PYQలు · 2
- 2021PrelimsGS1
Consider the following statements : 1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters. 2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters. 3. 'Rare earth minerals' are present on seafloor in international waters. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 2025MainsGS3
Mineral resources are fundamental to the country's economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining.
