The Ministry of Mines has categorically denied recent media reports suggesting that the Union Government has permitted private companies to explore and mine atomic minerals such as Uranium and Thorium in India’s offshore regions. The Ministry has clarified that such reports are misleading and factually incorrect.
In an official statement, the Ministry stated that the newly notified Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025, do not allow private entities to obtain rights for exploration or mining of atomic minerals. These rules strictly provide operating rights only to the Government, Government companies, or corporations.
The clarification comes amid reports speculating private sector involvement following the notification of the said rules on 14th July 2025. The Ministry emphasized that the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2023, which came into effect on 17th August 2023, already restricts such activities to public entities. Specifically, Section 6 of the amended Act prohibits the granting of exploration licences, composite licences, or production leases for atomic minerals to private players. These minerals are listed under Part B of the First Schedule to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
The Ministry further noted that the new rules were framed under Section 35 of the OAMDR Act, 2002, in consultation with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which oversees atomic mineral regulation in India.
“This reaffirmation is necessary to maintain transparency, ensure adherence to legislative mandates, and uphold national security and policy considerations,” the Ministry said in its statement.
The government reiterated its commitment to keeping the exploration and mining of sensitive resources like atomic minerals under strict regulatory control and within the purview of public sector entities.
