India has made its debut in offshore critical mineral mining, joining a select group of nations exploring deep-water resources. This marks a significant step in India’s pursuit of a blue economy but also raises pressing ecological concerns, reigniting the debate between development and environmental sustainability. For developing nations like India, the challenge lies in harnessing the benefits of precious resources while protecting their natural ecosystems.
The government has announced plans to auction 13 strategically selected blocks in the Arabian Sea and Andaman Sea, containing resources such as construction sand, lime mud, and polymetallic nodules. This initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to increase domestic mining of critical minerals. Since November 2023, the government has conducted four auction rounds, offering 22 blocks rich in essential minerals like lithium, vanadium, graphite, cobalt, and manganese. Offshore mining targets valuable resources from the seabed, including construction-grade silica sand, lime mud, rare earth elements, and precious metals. These resources are abundant in the waters surrounding India, particularly in the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal.
The first auction tranche is expected to yield critical resources such as construction sand and polymetallic nodules. These nodules, rich in manganese, nickel, and cobalt, are essential for producing batteries and electronics. India’s vast exclusive economic zone of about 2.37 million square kilometers positions it well to take advantage of these opportunities, with current mineral-rich zones covering approximately 688,000 square kilometers. Several other countries, including China, Japan, Norway, Brazil, South Africa, Papua New Guinea, and Namibia, are already engaged in offshore mining, underscoring the competitiveness of the sector India is entering.
The sustainability dilemma
The global transition from fossil fuels to clean energy hinges on critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel and cobalt, which are essential for technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that the demand for these minerals could increase sixfold by 2050, and India is keen to capitalize on this burgeoning market.
However, mining for these minerals comes with significant environmental costs. The extraction process can lead to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and pollution. In India, concerns have arisen over the impact of proposed lithium mining in Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem, where water scarcity and ecological degradation are key issues. While India has added provisions to improve the long-term viability of offshore mining, there is still a lack of adequate ecological safeguards. Ensuring that mining companies adhere to socially and environmentally sustainable practices is critical.
The United Nations Environment Programme stresses the importance of responsible mining and circularity in addressing the growing demand for minerals without compromising environmental preservation. However, responsible mining often takes a backseat in favor of faster economic gains. The IEA has also called for stronger environmental and social responsibility in mining, including efforts to reduce habitat destruction, water pollution, and social displacement while fostering international cooperation to enforce stringent standards.
Recycling and alternative solutions
To reduce the dependence on raw mining, India could explore advanced e-waste recycling as a promising solution. The country could recover 50–60% of rare earth elements from discarded electronics by establishing specialized recycling zones. This approach would conserve resources and minimize environmental impact, providing an alternative to traditional mining.
India’s entry into offshore critical mineral mining presents both opportunities and challenges. While the country stands to benefit economically and strategically, it must prioritize environmental preservation. Policymakers and industry leaders face the complex task of developing environmentally sustainable mining practices that meet rising mineral demands.
As the global push toward clean energy intensifies, India has a unique opportunity to set a precedent by balancing resource extraction with environmental stewardship. By investing in sustainable mining practices and alternative solutions like recycling, India can forge a path that harmonizes development with the protection of nature.
