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Key Points

The Indian government has dismissed media reports suggesting private sector involvement in atomic mineral mining. Officials clarified that the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Rules 2025 strictly reserve exploration rights for state entities. The Ministry of Mines emphasized compliance with national security protocols and legislative mandates. This reaffirms India's policy of maintaining strict control over atomic resources.

Key Points: India Denies Private Sector Role in Atomic Minerals Mining

  • Govt refutes reports on private sector mining atomic minerals
  • Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Rules 2025 limit rights to state entities
  • Amendment Act 2023 reinforces government control over atomic resources
  • Ministry stresses adherence to national security and policy frameworks
2 min read

Reports on private entities getting permission to mine atomic minerals incorrect: Govt

Government clarifies Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Rules 2025 restrict uranium and thorium mining to state entities only.

"The rules provide the procedure for the grant of operating rights for atomic mineral only to the Government, Government companies, or corporations. – Ministry of Mines"

New Delhi, Aug 6

The government has denied reports suggesting that it has permitted private sector participation in the exploration and mining of atomic minerals such as uranium and thorium from the country’s offshore regions by notifying the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Rules, 2025.

The Ministry of Mines called such media reports “misleading and factually incorrect”.

The Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025 provide the procedure for the grant of operating rights for atomic mineral only to the government, government companies, or corporations and not to private entities.

“It is important to state that Parliament, through the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) (Amendment) Act, 2023, amended the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, effective from 17th August 2023,” said the ministry.

The First proviso to Section 6 of the OAMDR Act, 2002 explicitly restricts the grant of exploration licences, composite licences, or production leases for atomic minerals (specified in Part B of the First Schedule to the MMDR Act, 1957) to the Government, Government companies, or corporations only, subject to prescribed conditions and threshold values notified by the Central Government.

Further, under Section 35 of the OAMDR Act, 2002, the Central Government is empowered to frame rules for the effective implementation of the Act. Accordingly, the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025 were notified on 14th July 2025 in consultation with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the nodal department for regulating atomic minerals.

“The rules provide the procedure for the grant of operating rights for atomic mineral only to the Government, Government companies, or corporations.

In light of the above, the media reports appear to be not consistent with the facts, provisions of the relevant Acts, Rules, and policy frameworks governing atomic minerals in India,” the ministry further informed.

The government said it reaffirms its commitment to transparency, adherence to legislative mandates, and ensuring that the exploration and mining of atomic minerals remain under strict regulatory control in accordance with national security and policy considerations.

—IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the clarification, I wish the government was this quick to respond to other misinformation too. The delay in issuing this statement allowed unnecessary panic to spread.
A
Aman W
This is why we need better science journalism in India. Reporters should understand technical subjects before writing about them. Uranium mining isn't some ordinary business venture!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in energy sector, I can confirm atomic minerals have always been strictly regulated. The new rules just streamline existing procedures. Nothing to worry about folks!
K
Karthik V
The government should consider making these policy documents more accessible to common people. Most citizens don't understand legal jargon and depend on media interpretations.
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Nisha Z
Glad to see our nuclear program remains protected. These minerals are crucial for our energy independence and defense. Jai Hind! 🙏

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