The authorities has declared sweeping regulations governing exploration and manufacturing of atomic minerals in offshore areas. The rules involve government oversight over strategic assets together with uranium and thorium, amid increase concerns over nuclear energy protection and geopolitical risks.
Foreign firms are barred from exploration activities unless specific relaxations are made; whilst state-owned entities or government nominated ones can be permitted.
The Ministry of Mines, in coordination with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), informed the “Offshore Area Atomic Minerals Concession Rules, 2025” these days. The new regulations will regulate the award of exploration licenses and manufacturing leases for atomic minerals within the country’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The new framework establishes strict conditions for reconnaissance, exploration, and manufacturing of atomic minerals – described as those holding uranium, thorium, and other radio elements critical to India’s nuclear programme.
The DAE and the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) will function the nodal oversight agencies, ensuring compliance with radiological protection and strategic protocols. “Only central government agencies, stated-owned enterprises, or authorities-nominated companies can be awarded compo site licenses or mining leases in such zones,” the guidelines state. These new regulations update earlier frameworks and create a detailed legal regime for the grant of exploration and manufacturing rights of atomic minerals found in offshore regions.
Exploration licences
Foreign firms are successfully barred from direct participation except subcontracted underneath highly restrictive guidelines, and only with previous protection clearance from ministries which include defence, home, and environment. Under the guidelines, exploration might be allowed with out a license, however most effective for notified authorities agencies.
Any later discovery of atomic minerals above threshold grades, as defined in alignment with the Atomic Mineral Concession Rules, 2016, have to be reported to the Directorate of Atomic Minerals Exploration and Research (AMD). There is a opportunity that put up such reportage, there can be on the immediate reservation of the block for national use.
Crucially, the authorities reserves the right to revoke or deny licenses if discoveries are deemed strategically sensitive or exceed the threshold grade. The Central Government has been empowered to directly gain such sites. In such instances, compensation to original explorers can be supplied based on incurred costs, a mechanism expected to deter speculative activity by private parties.
