Offshore Mineral Block Auction Compliance Deadlines and Process Details

The Ministry of Mines issued the Invitation for Bids (NIT) on 1 October 2026, launching the offshore mineral block auction. A pre-bid conference is scheduled for 4 November 2026, allowing prospective bidders to seek clarifications on block specifications and process requirements. The final date for submitting written questions is 13 November 2026. Tender documents may be purchased through the MSTC e-auction portal up to 21 December 2026, and bids must be submitted by 28 December 2026. The auction itself will follow these procedural milestones, all governed by the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (amended 2023) and the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024 (amended).

• ✓Pre-bid conference: 4 November 2026
• ✓Last date for questions: 13 November 2026
• ✓Tender documents available until: 21 December 2026

Two offshore mineral blocks are being offered in the Andaman Sea under the current auction. Sevel Rise-01 covers an area of 632 square kilometres, while West Sevel Rise-01 covers 1,000 square kilometres. Together the two blocks total 1,632 square kilometres of prospective mineral-bearing territory. The Ministry adjusted block configurations based on stakeholder feedback, expanding the scope of polymetallic nodule and crust blocks to facilitate easier offshore exploration.

• ✓Sevel Rise-01: 632 km²
• ✓West Sevel Rise-01: 1,000 km²
• ✓Combined area: 1,632 km²

The blocks contain polymetallic nodules and crusts rich in nickel, cobalt, copper and manganese. These critical minerals are essential for India’s ongoing energy transition, supporting battery technologies and manufacturing competitiveness. The Secretary of the Ministry of Mines highlighted the importance of strengthening the national mineral supply chain for economic development and technical progress. Geological characteristics and mineral potential of the blocks were provided by the Indian Geological Survey (GSIM).

• ✓Polymetallic nodules and crusts
• ✓Key minerals: nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese
• ✓GSIM supplied geological data

The auction process is being facilitated by several expert organisations. SBI Capital Markets Limited (SBICAPS) advised on the policy framework, auction process, tender provisions and bidding requirements. MSTC demonstrated the step-by-step procedure for purchasing tender documents and submitting bids via the e-auction portal. The National Mineral Exploration & Development Trust (NMEDT) presented a scheme for partial reimbursement of exploration expenses for composite license holders. These institutional supports aim to ensure a transparent and responsible development of India’s offshore mineral resources.

• ✓SBICAPS: policy and process advisory role
• ✓MSTC: e-auction portal and bidding demonstration
• ✓NMEDT: partial expense reimbursement scheme for license holders

Before commercial exploration proceeds, environmental baseline data collection and the Terms of Reference for Environmental Management Plans have been sent to relevant Central Ministries and Departments for their views. These will be finalized shortly. This step ensures that the subsequent exploration and development activities comply with environmental safeguards. The Ministry emphasized responsible development of offshore mineral potential while maintaining transparency in allocation.

• ✓Baseline data and Terms of Reference sent to Central Ministries/Departments
• ✓Finalization pending stakeholder input
• ✓Ensures environmental compliance before exploration