- The Ministry of Mines organized an outreach programme to promote the auction of offshore mineral blocks. - The initiative aims to tap into India's vast maritime potential and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for critical and strategic minerals. - The auction framework is governed by the amended Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, bringing transparency and private sector participation. - Focus is laid on enhancing energy transition, reducing import dependence for critical minerals, and boosting the blue economy. - **Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act:** A central government legislation governing the survey, exploration, and development of mineral resources in India's territorial waters, continental shelf, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Recent amendments introduced transparent e-auctions for offshore mineral blocks. - **Ministry of Mines:** The apex Union government ministry responsible for policy formulation, legislation, and regulation concerning the survey, exploration, and sustainable utilization of the nation's non-fuel and non-atomic mineral resources. - **Geological Survey of India (GSI):** An attached office under the Ministry of Mines responsible for conducting national geoscientific mapping, baseline surveys, and mineral exploration, including identifying critical and strategic mineral reserves. **Introduction** The Ministry of Mines hosted an outreach programme focusing on the auction of offshore mineral blocks, highlighting the strategic importance of exploring India's vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for critical minerals. Utilizing amendments to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, the program encourages industry participation to secure critical mineral supply chains, boost the blue economy, and drive sustainable resource development. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - The Ministry of Mines organized an outreach programme to promote the auction of offshore mineral blocks. - The initiative aims to tap into India's vast maritime potential and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for critical and strategic minerals. - The auction framework is governed by the amended Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, bringing transparency and private sector participation. - Focus is laid on enhancing energy transition, reducing import dependence for critical minerals, and boosting the blue economy. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act:** A central government legislation governing the survey, exploration, and development of mineral resources in India's territorial waters, continental shelf, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Recent amendments introduced transparent e-auctions for offshore mineral blocks. - **Ministry of Mines:** The apex Union government ministry responsible for policy formulation, legislation, and regulation concerning the survey, exploration, and sustainable utilization of the nation's non-fuel and non-atomic mineral resources. - **Geological Survey of India (GSI):** An attached office under the Ministry of Mines responsible for conducting national geoscientific mapping, baseline surveys, and mineral exploration, including identifying critical and strategic mineral reserves.