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Politics Hindustan Times India Politics • Oct 14, 2026

Centre Invites Bids for Two Offshore Mineral Blocks in Andaman Sea: Details on Composite Licence and Tender Process

💡 Key Takeaways

•Ministry of Mines issued NIT for two Andaman Sea blocks.
•Blocks offered under composite licence for exploration and production.
•Strategic initiative to reduce import dependency for critical minerals.

NEW DELHI [NCRBuzz Wire] — ### Government Initiates Offshore Mineral Exploration

**The Union Ministry of Mines has formally invited bids for the exploration and production rights of two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea.** This move follows the government's strategic push to identify and harness mineral resources within India's maritime boundaries. The tender process is governed by the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, which provides the legal framework for granting operating rights to private and public entities.

### Block Specifications and Licensing

**The two blocks, Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01, are being offered under a composite licence, which combines exploration and production rights.** This integrated approach is designed to streamline the transition from discovery to commercial extraction, ensuring that successful bidders can move efficiently through the project lifecycle.

| Metric / Aspect | Details |

|---|---|

| Blocks Offered | Sewell Rise-01, West Sewell Ridge-01 |

| Location | Andaman Sea |

| Licence Type | Composite Licence (Exploration & Production) |

| Governing Body | Ministry of Mines, Government of India |

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🏛️ Background Context

The Indian government has recently amended the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act to allow for competitive bidding, aiming to unlock the mineral wealth of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and align with global standards for offshore resource management.

💡 Citizen & Commuter Quick Explainer (FAQ)

Q1: What triggered this tender process?

The Ministry of Mines initiated this process to boost domestic mineral exploration and reduce import dependency by utilizing resources in India's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Q2: What is a composite licence?

A composite licence grants the holder rights for both the exploration phase and the subsequent production phase of mineral extraction, streamlining the project lifecycle.

Q3: What is the next step for interested bidders?

Interested parties must review the official Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) documents on the Ministry of Mines portal and submit their bids according to the specified technical and financial criteria.

Verified Wires: Hindustan Times India Politics Original Wire Dispatch ↗

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