Basics
- Topic: India’s push for Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) exploration in the Indian Ocean.
- Significance: PMS are rich in strategic and critical metals (copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver) essential for renewable energy, green technology, and electronics.
- Historic First: India is the first country to secure two International Seabed Authority (ISA) contracts for PMS exploration, covering the largest area in the world.
Relevance
- GS-3 (Science & Technology, Economy, Security):
◦ Deep-sea exploration, hydrothermal vents, ROV/AUV technology.
◦ Strategic minerals for renewable energy, electronics, EV batteries.
◦ Critical minerals security, reducing import dependence, supply chain resilience. - GS-2 (International Relations):
◦ UNCLOS, International Seabed Authority, maritime law, global positioning of India in seabed mining.
Geographical Context
- Carlsberg Ridge:
- Location: Indian Ocean, between Indian Plate and Somali Plate.
- Features: Rough topography, high mineralization, hydrothermal vents.
- Role: Major source of Polymetallic Sulphides.
- Other key locations: Central Ridge, Mid-Indian Ridge, Madagascar Ridge.
Phases of India’s PMS Exploration
- Phase I – Reconnaissance Surveys:
- Goal: Identify promising PMS sites via seabed surveys and remote sensing.
- Phase II – Targeted Exploration:
- Methods: Conduct near-seabed surveys and ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) to assess resource potential.
- Phase III – Resource Evaluation:
- Goal: Estimate extractable quantities and assess economic viability.
India’s Previous PMS Exploration
- 2016: NCOPR conducted exploration in Indian Ocean and Southwest Indian Ocean.
- Achievements: Developed expertise in deep-ocean mining, hydrothermal vent mapping, and resource characterization.
- Ongoing research: Ocean Mission programme to enhance deep-ocean exploration capabilities.
Significance of the Carlsberg Ridge
- Geology: High topography, mineralized hydrothermal vent systems.
- Minerals: Rich in copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver.
- Strategic importance: Supports renewable energy, electronics, and green technologies.
- Hydrothermal Activity: Deposits formed by hot fluids interacting with basaltic ocean crust, creating metal-rich chimneys.
How PMS Exploration Differs from Other Underwater Minerals
- Seabed complexity: PMS deposits concentrated near hydrothermal vents; irregular and uneven seafloor makes extraction challenging.
- Dynamic positioning required: Unlike sand or nodules, PMS mining requires precise navigation and site-specific systems.
- Advanced techniques: Geophysical and hydrographic surveys, autonomous vehicles (AUVs and ROVs), sampling, and lab analysis.
Economic & Strategic Importance
- Critical metals: PMS contain copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver essential for EV batteries, electronics, and renewable energy.
- Geopolitical significance:
- Reduces dependence on China for critical metals.
- Positions India as a leader in deep-sea resource exploration.
- Renewable energy transition: Metals support solar, wind, and electric mobility sectors.
International Seabed Authority (ISA)
- Role: Governs resource exploration beyond national jurisdictions.
- India’s position:
- Submitted two PMS exploration applications.
- Follows UNCLOS framework and deep-sea mining protocols.
- Approval process: Requires ISA review and compliance with environmental safeguards.
Challenges
- Technical:
- Deep-sea exploration at ~4000–5000 meters depth.
- Difficult terrain with active hydrothermal vents.
- Environmental:
- Potential disturbance to fragile ocean ecosystems.
- Need for sustainable extraction techniques.
- Financial:
- High capital and operational costs.
- Uncertain global market prices for metals.
Way Forward
- Strengthen domestic capabilities: Advanced ROVs, AUVs, remote sensing, and deep-sea mapping.
- International collaboration: Partner with ISA, research institutes, and technology providers.
- Environmental safeguards: Develop sustainable extraction and monitoring protocols.
- Strategic stockpiling: Use PMS metals to support India’s renewable energy and tech industries.
