Lok Sabha Question No. 4679 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-03-29
Subject: Sea Minerals
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Hibi Eden

## 4679.   SHRI HIBI EDEN:

Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:

(a)    the  current  status  of  the  proposal  to  mine  seas  for  minerals  along  with  the benefits and risks associated with it;

- (b)  whether the Government has consulted with the coastal communities and other stakeholders to address their concerns and ensure their participation in the decisionmaking process and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (c)  whether  India  has  a  long-term  plan  to  monitor  and  evaluate  the  environmental and economic impacts of sea mining and make necessary adjustments and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (d)   whether  the  revenues  from  sea  mining  will  be  utilized  for  the  welfare  of  the coastal communities and the development of marine infrastructure; (e)   whether  partnerships  with  foreign  companies  are  necessary  to  mine  seas  for minerals and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and (f) whether the Government has conducted a comprehensive impact assessment of sea mining on the marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of the coastal communities
- and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

(a):  Mining  in  seas  for  minerals  is  permitted  as  per  the  provisions  of the  Offshore Areas Mineral (Development & Regulation) [OAMDR] Act, 2002.

(b):  Yes,  Sir.  As  per  Pre-Legislative  Consultation  Policy  (PLCP),  all  stakeholders including coastal communities have been consulted on the proposed amendment to the OAMDR Act, 2002. A total of 67 stakeholders, including fisherman organizations have given their views.

(c) & (f): The environmental impact of sea mining is regulated under the Environment (Protection)  Act,  1986 administered  by  Ministry  of  Environment,  Forest  &  Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

(d):  The revenues from sea mining will be deposited in Consolidated Fund of India. The  expenditure  out  of  Consolidated  Fund  of  India  is  made  as  per  the  budget approved.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4679

ANSWERED ON 29.03.2023

## SEA MINERALS

(e):   As per Section 6 of OAMDR Act, 2002, the Central Government shall not grant an operating right to any person unless such person(a)  is  an  Indian  national,  or  a  company  as  defined  in  section  3  of  the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956); and (b) satisfies such conditions as may be prescribed: Provided that no production lease for atomic minerals or prescribed substances  may  be  granted  without  consultation  with  the  Department  of  the Government of India dealing with the Atomic Energy. Further,  as  per  Foreign  Direct  Investment  (FDI)  Policy,  2020,  100%  FDI  is allowed through automatic entry route in Mining and Exploration of metal and nonmetal ores including diamond, gold, silver and precious ores but excluding titanium bearing  minerals  and  its  ores;  subject  to  the  Mines  and  Minerals  (Development  & Regulation) Act, 1957. However, 100 % FDI is allowed through Government entry route  in  Mining  and  mineral  separation  of  titanium  bearing  minerals  and  ores,  its value addition and integrated activities.

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