It is a major step forward in exploring India's extensive offshore mineral resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). 

Key Details of the Offshore Mining Auction  

• Mineral Blocks: Auction includes 13 mineral blocks spanning across the Arabian Sea and Andaman Sea. 
• Types of Mineral and corresponding Region: Construction sand (Off the coast of Kerala, Arabian Sea), lime-mud (Off the coast of Gujarat, Arabian Sea) and polymetallic nodules and crusts (Off the coast of Great Nicobar Islands, Andaman Sea). 

Offshore Mining or Deep Sea Mining 

• It is the process of retrieving mineral deposits from the deep seabed, at a depth of more than 200 meters. 
  • Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified about six lakh sq. kms of offshore area having potential for offshore mining. 

Significance of Offshore Mining for India 

• India's offshore mineral reserves include gold, diamond, copper, nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, and rare earth elements essential for development. 
• Offshore mining will increase availability of minerals (Atmanirbharta in critical minerals), unlock India’s blue economy and reduce dependence on imports. 
• These minerals are critical for infrastructure development,  high-tech manufacturing and green energy transition. 

Challenges in Offshore Mining 

• Lack of private participation, requirement of highly skilled labor and capital, environmental challenges like habitat destruction, disruption of marine ecosystems etc.