Offshore mineral exploration soon: Mines secretary

About 50-60 blocks would be put on auction, says Balwinder Kumar

India would soon start offshore exploration of rare minerals and relevant rules would be in place in three months, Mines Secretary Balvinder Kumar said on Tuesday.

The government would develop exclusive economic zone for offshore exploration of minerals, including manganese, chromium, zirconium, titanium, thorium and other rare earth elements. About 50-60 blocks would be put on auction or would be allotted through a competitive bidding process, Kumar said. The blocks that have been identified are seven nautical miles from the coast.