Introduction:

• India has secured an exploration contract from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore polymetallic sulphide deposits in the Carlsberg Ridge of the northwest Indian Ocean.
• This marks the first-ever global license granted for exploring such resources in this region.

Key Facts:

• • Authority Involved: International Seabed Authority (ISA), headquartered in Jamaica.
  • Signed on: September 2024 in New Delhi.
  • Region: Carlsberg Ridge, 3,00,000 sq. km in the Arabian Sea and northwest Indian Ocean.
  • Minerals Targeted: Manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper.

• Geological Significance: The Carlsberg Ridge forms the boundary between Indian and Arabian tectonic plates, extending from Rodrigues Island to Owen fracture zone.

Importance of the License:

1. Strategic Resource Security:
   • Access to critical minerals like cobalt, nickel, and copper, essential for EV batteries, renewable energy, and electronics.
   • Reduces India’s import dependence.
2. Geopolitical Significance:
   • Strengthens India’s maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
   • Counters the growing influence of China, which already holds multiple ISA exploration licences.
3. Scientific and Technological Advancement:
   • Enhances India’s deep-sea mining capabilities under the Deep Ocean Mission.
   • Boosts research in geology, oceanography, and environmental sciences.

India’s Exploration Rights Timeline:

• 2002: First ISA contract for exploration in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (valid till March 2027 after extensions).
• 2016: Contract for polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean Ridge (valid till September 2031).
• 2024: New contract for Carlsberg Ridge; application for Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount (ANS) still pending.

Challenges:

1. Environmental Concerns:
   • Deep-sea mining may damage fragile ecosystems and disrupt marine biodiversity.
2. Technological Constraints:
   • Mining at depths of >3,000 meters require advanced technology and high costs.
3. Geopolitical Tensions:
   • Disputes with Sri Lanka over Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount exploration rights.
   • Need to navigate competing claims under UNCLOS.
4. Regulatory Uncertainty:
   • ISA is still finalizing a global mining code to govern commercial exploitation.

Way Forward:

• Strengthen Deep Ocean Mission with R&D in eco-friendly mining technologies.
• Collaborate with friendly nations for joint exploration and technology sharing.
• Balance resource extraction with sustainability, ensuring compliance with international environmental norms.
• Assert maritime rights diplomatically to secure pending claims like ANS.

Conclusion:

India’s new licence for deep-sea exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge is a milestone in resource diplomacy and maritime strategy. While it strengthens India’s quest for critical minerals, careful navigation of environmental, technological, and geopolitical challenges will determine its success.

Value Addition Matsya 6000 and Deep Ocean Mission Matsya 6000 Submersible About: Matsya 6000 is India’s first indigenously developed manned deep-ocean submersible under the Samudrayaan Project (part of the Deep Ocean Mission). Successfully completed its wet testing phase. Developer: Built by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Specifications: Capacity: 3 crew members. Depth capability: Up to 6000 meters. Equipped with scientific instruments for mineral exploration and biodiversity studies. Significance: Enables in-situ exploration of deep-sea resources. Places India among only six nations (USA, Russia, Japan, France, China, and India) with human submersible capability. Samudra Yaan Project: Objective: Development of a self-propelled submersible for human exploration up to 6000 m depth. Facilitate deep-sea resource assessment and biodiversity studies. Timeline: Period: 2020–2021 to 2025–2026. Strategic Importance: Strengthens India’s efforts in Blue Economy development. Provides a boost to indigenous technology in underwater robotics and submersible design. Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) Launch: 2021, approved as a Central Sector Scheme by the Cabinet. Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Objectives: Develop advanced technologies for exploring deep-ocean resources. Support sustainable marine development. Contribute to climate change studies, pollution mitigation, and the Blue Economy initiative. Budget & Timeline: Total outlay: ₹4077 crore (2021–2026). Phase I (2021–2024): ₹2823.4 crore allocated. Global Alignment: Contributes to SDG-14 (Life Below Water). In line with UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). Do you know? India has been allotted a site of 75,000 sq. km. in Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) by UN International Seabed Authority (ISA) for the exploitation of polymetallic nodules. Just utilizing 10% of the PMN reserve available in the area, country can meet its energy requirements for the next 100 years.