The Ministry of Mines on Thursday launched India's first-ever tranche of 13 mineral blocks for auction in offshore areas. This marks India's entry into the exploration and development of undersea mineral resources within its offshore territories. The auction was launched by Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy and other officials of the ministry."This auction and exploration will unlock India's blue economy and allow mining sector to be a part of Viksit Bharat journey. Many countries are conducting offshore mining and now India will also be a part of it. For ease of business, Mines Ministry is launching several measures and amendments," said Union Minister G Kishan Reddy in his address after the launch of offshore minerals.— MinesMinIndia (@MinesMinIndia) Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy commended the auction launch as “the beginning of a new era in offshore exploration.” He stated that these mineral blocks in India’s EEZ would play a critical role in securing vital resources for sectors such as infrastructure, electric vehicles, and renewable energy, driving India’s journey towards self-reliance. He also stressed that the government is committed towards sustainable mining to minimize the negative environmental impacts.A total of 13 blocks will be auctioned as part of the first tranche, including three for construction sand and another three for lime mud. Seven out of the 13 blocks will be polymetallic nodules and have not been valued yet, a source told Reuters.Ahead of the launch, V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines in his address underscored the importance of reducing import reliance, describing it as “key to India’s future.” He highlighted how the offshore auction will diversify India’s mineral sources and support the nation’s Net Zero commitments by 2070, aiming to build a more resilient India through sustainable resources from the deep seas.Offshore minerals are located deep within the earth's crust and are difficult to extract compared to onshore minerals. India's offshore mineral reserves include gold, diamond, copper, nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, and rare earth elements. The offshore auctions will help increase the availability of these minerals in India and reduce dependence on imports.With the launch, it marked India's entry into the exploration and development of undersea mineral resources within its offshore territories. These areas include the country's territorial waters, continental shelf, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and other maritime zones. India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), spanning over 2 million square kilometres, is believed to hold significant mineral reserves."Offshore minerals are vital to securing India's strategic and economic interests," the Ministry of Mines stated.In August 2023, the Parliament amended the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, making auctions the mandatory mode for allocating mineral blocks in offshore areas. This amendment enables the government to streamline the granting of production leases and composite licences for resource exploration and extraction.