1. Andaman Sea offshore mineral blocks: first auction to be launched
- The Ministry of Mines will launch the first Andaman Sea offshore mineral block auction on 1 October 2026.
- Two offshore blocks are on offer in the first phase, as composite licences.
- Minerals include cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and rare earth elements.
- The auction follows the OAMDR Act, 2002 and the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024.