- Govt tightens regulatory oversight over offshore mining operations
- Rules mandate use of electronic monitoring systems, transit permits
The Ministry of Mines has notified the Offshore Areas Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining and Transportation) Rules, 2026, introducing real-time monitoring, transport permits, and seizure powers for offshore mining operations.
Under the rules, anyone permitted to undertake mining will have to mandatorily deploy electronic monitoring systems. Any mine developer and operator (MDO), carrier, or owner of mechanised machinery will have to have their equipment/vessel registered on an offshore mining regulation web portal. The operator or carrier owner will have to be registered with the Indian Bureau of Mines, while traders and operating right holders looking to export the mineral have to be cleared by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.
(For atomic minerals above the specified threshold grades, the rules vest regulatory powers and responsibilities with the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, instead of the Indian Bureau of Mines.)
Dispatch and transportation
Prior to dispatch, transit permits will be required and the following information declared:
- mineral quantity and grade
- consignee details (name, address and registration number)
- particulars of the carrier and its owner
- the first point of discharge
- transport routes
- if the holder of the operating right has availed the services of any other person for transportation
- royalty payments and, in the case of exports, customs clearance documents
A digitally signed transit permit will be issued for each registered carrier, and copies will be shared with the concerned state government by IBM.
Carriers are required to carry automatic location tracking devices, automated identification systems, and valid transit permits and must adhere strictly to approved transport routes. The first point of discharge, defined as the initial onshore unloading location in India, will be equipped with approved weighing and measurement systems to reconcile volumes between dispatch and discharge and convert measurements to a dry basis using scientific conversion factors prescribed by the Indian Bureau of Mines. Operators of carriers must have devices capable of automatic GPS location tracking of the carriers.
Consignees and traders must verify mineral quantity and grade against the transit permit and maintain detailed records. The rules specify authorised officers and their powers to inspect, intercept, verify and seize property involved in illegal mining, storage or transportation. It also lays down how the materials may be disposed of through public auction, with proceeds credited to the Consolidated Fund of India.
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