The Ministry of Mines, on November 6, 2025, issued from Nagpur, has specified the non-refundable fee structure applicable under Rules 8, 9, 17, 18, and 25 of the Offshore Areas Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2024, in pursuance of Section 35 of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act, 2002.
As per the notification, the submission of an Exploration Plan or its modification will not attract any fee. However, for a Production Plan, its modification or review, and for a Final Mine Closure Plan, a non-refundable fee of ₹25,000 per square kilometre or part thereof shall be payable. These fees are intended to cover administrative and regulatory processing costs associated with offshore mineral operations.
The order takes immediate effect and applies to all concerned lessees, operators, and applicants engaged in exploration, production, and closure activities within India’s offshore mineral zones.
[Notification No. F. No. T-4304/1/2025-TS-IBM_HQ]
