<p>New Delhi: India will auction its first tranche of offshore minerals, which is worth more than 1.5 trillion rupees ($17.8 billion), a government source directly involved in the decision making told <em>Reuters</em> on Thursday.</p><p>A total of 13 blocks will be auctioned as part of the first tranche, including three for construction sand and another three for lime mud.</p><p>Seven out of the 13 blocks will be polymetallic nodules and have not been valued yet, the source said.</p>.<p>The source did not want to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to the media.</p><p>The federal mines ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters email seeking comment.</p><p>The ministry is expected to shortly announce the details of the auction. </p>
<p>New Delhi: India will auction its first tranche of offshore minerals, which is worth more than 1.5 trillion rupees ($17.8 billion), a government source directly involved in the decision making told <em>Reuters</em> on Thursday.</p><p>A total of 13 blocks will be auctioned as part of the first tranche, including three for construction sand and another three for lime mud.</p><p>Seven out of the 13 blocks will be polymetallic nodules and have not been valued yet, the source said.</p>.<p>The source did not want to be identified as they are not authorised to speak to the media.</p><p>The federal mines ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters email seeking comment.</p><p>The ministry is expected to shortly announce the details of the auction. </p>