India has made its first offering of offshore critical mineral blocks, joining a select group of nations venturing into deep-water mining. This marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of a blue economy. However, it also raises critical ecological concerns, reigniting the debate between development and environmental sustainability. For developing nations like India, this dilemma is particularly acute, as they cannot afford to ignore the benefits of precious resources but must also safeguard their natural ecosystems.
India plans to auction 13 strategically selected blocks in the Arabian Sea and Andaman Sea, comprising resources such as construction sand, lime mud, and polymetallic nodules. This move follows a series of initiatives aimed at boosting domestic mining of critical minerals. Since November 2023, four auction rounds have been conducted, offering 22 blocks rich in essential materials like lithium, vanadium, graphite, cobalt, and manganese.
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Offshore mining in India
Offshore mining involves extracting valuable minerals, including construction-grade silica sand, lime mud, precious metals, and rare earth elements, from the seabed. These resources are abundant in the waters surrounding the Indian peninsula—the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal.
The initial auction tranche is expected to yield critical resources like construction sand and polymetallic nodules. Polymetallic nodules, rich in manganese, nickel, and cobalt, are vital for producing batteries and electronics. With its expansive exclusive economic zone of approximately 2.37 million square kilometres, India is well-positioned to leverage these opportunities and expand its mineral-rich zones, currently estimated at 688,000 square kilometres.
Globally, countries like China, Japan, Norway, Brazil, South Africa, Papua New Guinea, and Namibia are already active in offshore mining, highlighting the competitiveness of the sector India is entering.
The sustainability question
The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy depends on critical energy transition minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt. These materials are indispensable for clean energy technologies, including wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), demand for these minerals could increase sixfold by 2050. India, naturally, seeks to capitalise on this booming market.
However, the environmental costs of critical mineral mining are significant. The extraction and processing of these minerals result in greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and pollution. For example, proposed lithium mining in Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem has raised concerns about water scarcity and ecological degradation.
Responsible mining and circularity
The United Nations Environment Programme emphasises responsible mining and circularity as crucial for balancing mineral demand and ecological preservation. Unfortunately, responsible mining often takes a backseat. While India has added provisions to enhance the long-term viability of offshore mining, ecological safeguards remain absent. It is imperative for the government to encourage mining companies to adopt socially just and environmentally sustainable practices.
A report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights the importance of environmental and social responsibility in mining. This includes mitigating habitat destruction, water pollution, and social displacement while fostering international cooperation to enforce stringent environmental and social standards.
Recycling and alternative solutions
One promising avenue for reducing reliance on raw mining is advanced e-waste recycling. India could recover 50–60% of rare earth elements from discarded electronics by establishing specialised recycling zones. This approach not only conserves resources but also minimises environmental impact.
India’s foray into offshore critical mineral mining presents both opportunities and challenges. While the nation stands to gain strategically and economically, it must prioritise ecological preservation. Policymakers and industry leaders face the complex task of developing environmentally sustainable mining practices to meet rising mineral demands.
As global efforts toward clean energy accelerate, India has a chance to lead by example—balancing resource extraction with environmental stewardship. By investing in sustainable practices and alternative solutions like recycling, India can chart a path that harmonises development with nature.