Deep Ocean Mission Vital For Future, Says Earth Sciences Ministry

Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary Srinivasa Kumar Tumalla has stated that the Deep Ocean Mission is crucial for India's future, while assuring fishers that current activities pose no threat to their livelihoods.

Current Status

Speaking on the sidelines of the 92nd annual meeting of the Indian Academy of Sciences in Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Tumalla explained that only exploratory surveys are underway at a massive distance of about 2,500 kilometres from the coast. He noted that these operations are taking place in the central Indian Ocean basin at water depths of nearly 5,000 metres.

Contracts and Minerals

India holds ongoing exploration contracts with the International Seabed Authority for roughly 75,000 square kilometres in the central Indian Ocean basin to search for polymetallic nodules. The nation also has about 10,000 square kilometres contracted for polymetallic sulphides. These seafloor deposits contain valuable metals like nickel, copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, lead, iron, silver, gold, and platinum, which are essential for electric vehicles and power grids.

Future Plans

Commercial mining will not begin immediately because the international mining code must become operational first, alongside detailed environmental impact assessments. The Union government is pursuing the project on a mission mode to build domestic technology for tapping these deep-sea resources.

Context

The International Seabed Authority is an autonomous body created under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to manage mineral-related activities in international waters. Deep-sea exploration has drawn global attention as nations look for alternative land sources to secure critical transition minerals.