The Ministry of Mines has categorically refuted recent media reports suggesting that private companies have been allowed to explore and mine atomic minerals such as uranium and thorium in India’s offshore regions. Terming the reports as “misleading and factually incorrect,” the Ministry clarified that no such permissions have been granted.
The clarification comes in the wake of speculation following the notification of the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025. According to the Ministry, these rules do not permit private entities to carry out exploration or mining of atomic minerals. Instead, the operating rights are strictly reserved for the Government, Government-owned companies, or Government corporations.
The Ministry stated that this regulatory stance aligns with the provisions of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2023, which came into effect on August 17, 2023. As per Section 6 of the amended Act, atomic minerals listed under Part B of the First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 can only be explored or mined by Government entities, and even then, only under specified conditions and threshold limits notified by the Centre.
Further, Section 35 of the Act empowers the Central Government to frame necessary rules. The Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025, notified on July 14, 2025, were formulated in consultation with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which is the nodal authority for regulating atomic minerals in India.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining strict regulatory oversight in matters related to atomic minerals, given their strategic importance and implications for national security. It also underlined that the recent rule notification does not indicate any dilution of existing norms or policy shifts favouring private participation in this sensitive sector.
The Ministry urged all stakeholders and media outlets to verify facts and consult official notifications before publishing such critical information.