Offshore Mining Blocks Exclude Marine Protected Areas: Centre Clarifies in Lok Sabha

The Ministry of Earth Sciences informed the Lok Sabha (Dec 10, 2025) that offshore mining blocks allocated to private companies exclude all notified Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

• Mapping and carving out of blocks were done only after ensuring no overlap with ecologically sensitive regions.

First Tranche of Offshore Block Auctions

• The Central Government launched the first tranche of auctioning 13 offshore blocks on 28 November 2024.
• These blocks were offered for a composite licence (exploration licence-cum-production lease).
• Includes three offshore construction sand blocks off the Kerala coast, located beyond territorial waters.

Mandatory Stakeholder Consultations

• As per Rule 5(2) of the Offshore Areas Operating Right Rules, 2024, the government must consult:
  • Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
  • Department of Fisheries
  • Ministry of Earth Sciences
• These consultations are compulsory before notifying any offshore area for granting operating rights.

Marine Protection Measures

• MoEFCC has notified 130 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) across coastal States and island territories.
• Additionally, 106 Important Coastal and Marine Biodiversity Areas (ICMBAs) have been identified for priority conservation.
• Offshore mining blocks were carved after excluding all these sensitive zones.

Regulatory Safeguards for Offshore Operations

• Under the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024, no production operations can begin without an approved production plan.
• Ensures regulated and environmentally responsible extraction.

Offshore Areas Mineral Trust

• Section 16A of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 mandates the creation of the Offshore Areas Mineral Trust as a non-profit autonomous body.
• Coastal States are members of both the Governing Body and Executive Committee of the Trust.
• Funds received by the Trust will be used for:
  • Research, studies, and administration related to offshore areas
  • Mitigation of ecological impacts arising from offshore mining
  • Strengthening monitoring and environmental safeguards

Source: PIB