Mines Ministry launches auction of two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea
On 1 October 2026 the Ministry of Mines launched the auction of two offshore blocks in the Andaman Sea – Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01 – with polymetallic nodules and crusts, for grant of Composite Licence.
Summary
Mines Secretary Keshav Chandra virtually launched the auction of two offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea for grant of Composite Licence. The blocks, Sewell Rise-01 (southern Sewell Rise) and West Sewell Ridge-01 (off Great Nicobar Island), together cover over 1,632 sq km. They contain polymetallic nodules and crusts that host cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and rare earth elements needed for clean energy and electronics.
Key facts
- Blocks
- Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01
- Location
- Andaman Sea (West Sewell Ridge-01 off Great Nicobar Island)
- Area
- Over 1,632 sq km together
- Minerals
- Polymetallic nodules and crusts (cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper, REEs)
- Licence
- Composite Licence
- Launched by
- Keshav Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Mines
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The two offshore mineral blocks put up for auction by the Ministry of Mines on 1 October 2026 are located in which sea area?
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Correct answer: C — Andaman Sea
Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01 are offshore blocks in the Andaman Sea.
The offshore blocks Sewell Rise-01 and West Sewell Ridge-01 (auctioned from October 2026) mainly contain:
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Correct answer: A — Polymetallic nodules and crusts
Both blocks contain polymetallic nodules and crusts hosting cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper and rare earth elements.