India's Deep-Sea Exploration: Securing Critical Minerals from the Indian Ocean
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Geography (Oceanography - Mid-oceanic ridges, Seamounts, Continental Shelf); International Relations (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea - UNCLOS, International Seabed Authority - ISA); Indian Economy & Science and Technology (Deep-sea mining, Critical minerals - manganese, cobalt, nickel).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Geography): Distribution of key natural resources across the world.
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): Important International institutions, agencies and fora—their structure, mandate (ISA, UNCLOS).
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy/S&T/Environment): Science and Technology - developments and their applications; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation (impact of deep-sea mining).
Key Highlights from the News
India has received an international contract to explore for valuable metals in the Carlsberg Ridge region of the Indian Ocean.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA), based in Jamaica, awarded this contract.
The permission is for the exploration of Polymetallic nodules, which contain critical minerals such as manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper.
This is the first time a country has received permission for such an exploration in this specific region globally.
Deep-sea areas (high seas) that do not fall under any country's jurisdiction are called "The Area." ISA's permission is required to explore here.
ISA operates under the international law United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).
This is a significant step as part of India's Deep Ocean Mission.
COMMENTS