Only nominated firms to mine offshore uranium, thorium under new norms

The new Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules, 2025, notified on Thursday to regulate the exploration and mining of atomic minerals like uranium and thorium in offshore areas, has restricted the sector to government entities and companies nominated by the Centre and mandated prior approvals for foreign contractors.   

 

The new rules notified under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, are aimed at unlocking India’s offshore atomic mineral potential and also lay down security and environmental safeguards.

 

These norms will apply only when atomic minerals like uranium or thorium are found in an offshore area, either