The Ministry of Mines launched the auction of two offshore mineral blocks, Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01, in the Andaman Sea.
Spread over 1,632 sq km, the blocks contain polymetallic nodules and crusts holding critical minerals like cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper, and rare earths.
Bids can be submitted until December 28 through MSTC’s electronic platform under the Offshore Areas Mineral Rules, 2024.