Mines Ministry holds Kochi roadshow on India's maiden offshore mineral blocks auction
Three offshore construction-sand blocks off Kerala drew keen interest; auction runs on the MSTC platform.
Summary
The Ministry of Mines held a roadshow at Kochi, Kerala, on 11 January 2025 on India's maiden e-auction of offshore mineral blocks in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Officials highlighted resources such as construction sand, lime-mud and polymetallic nodules, and the Geological Survey of India presented findings on construction sand deposits off Kerala's coast. Participants showed keen interest in the three offshore blocks in Kerala. SBICAPS explained the e-auction process and MSTC demonstrated its e-auction platform.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 11 January 2025, Kochi, Kerala
- Subject
- India's first offshore mineral blocks auction
- Area
- Exclusive Economic Zone
- Resources
- Construction sand, lime-mud, polymetallic nodules
- Kerala
- Three offshore blocks (construction sand)
- Platform
- MSTC e-auction
Practice MCQs 4 questions
In which city did the Ministry of Mines hold a roadshow on 11 January 2025 on India's maiden offshore mineral blocks auction?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Kochi
PIB (Mines): the roadshow was held at The Renai, Kochi, Kerala.
At the Kochi roadshow, the three offshore blocks in Kerala were highlighted mainly for deposits of:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Construction sand
PIB: GSI highlighted construction sand deposits off Kerala's coast; participants were keen on the three offshore blocks in Kerala for construction and infrastructure.
India's maiden offshore mineral blocks auction, promoted at the Kochi roadshow on 11 January 2025, covers blocks in which maritime zone?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Exclusive Economic Zone
PIB: the auction aims to unlock resource potential in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Which organisation's platform is used for the e-auction of offshore mineral blocks, as demonstrated at the Kochi roadshow?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — MSTC
PIB: MSTC demonstrated its e-auction platform; auction details are on the MSTC platform. SBICAPS explained the process.