India Secures Exploration Licence from ISA for Polymetallic Sulphides in Carlsberg Ridge

India secures an ISA licence to explore polymetallic sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge, northwest Indian Ocean. Discover India’s deep-sea exploration history and future prospects.

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News?In a significant development for India’s deep-sea mining ambitions, the country has secured an exploration licence from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore polymetallic sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge of the northwest Indian Ocean. This marks a key step in India’s ongoing efforts to study and potentially utilise deep-sea mineral resources.

India’s Previous Exploration Contracts with ISA

India has been actively involved in deep-sea exploration under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and ISA regulations. Notable milestones include:

2002: India received an ISA contract to explore polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB). The contract has been extended and is valid till 2027.
2016: India secured an exploration licence for polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean Ridge, valid till 2031.

About the Carlsberg Ridge

The Carlsberg Ridge is a tectonic ridge forming the boundary between the Indian and Arabian plates. Key features include:

Extent: Stretches from near Rodrigues Island to the Owen fracture zone in the northwest Indian Ocean.
Significance: Known for hydrothermal vents, which deposit mineral-rich polymetallic sulphides, including copper, zinc, gold, and silver.
Geological Importance: Provides insights into plate tectonics, seafloor spreading, and hydrothermal processes.

Why This Exploration Matters

Strategic Resource Security: Polymetallic sulphides are rich in critical metals like copper, cobalt, and rare earth elements, essential for electronics, renewable energy, and defense technologies.
Scientific Research: Exploration aids in understanding marine geology, tectonics, and hydrothermal ecosystems.
Future Mining Potential: While commercial extraction is not yet allowed, these studies lay the groundwork for sustainable deep-sea mining in the future.

India’s Growing Role in Deep-Sea Mining

With multiple ISA contracts, India is positioning itself as a major player in ocean mineral exploration. These initiatives also align with global efforts to ensure responsible and environmentally conscious utilization of seabed resources.