India gets exclusive right to explore Polymetallic Sulphides in Indian Ocean: Jitendra Singh
India has made history by grabbing the world’s first exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in a massive 10,000 square kilometer stretch of the Indian Ocean’s Carlsberg Ridge. Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh shared the exciting news on Saturday.
The big moment came with a fresh 15-year contract signed between India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences and the International Seabed Authority (ISA). This deal puts India ahead of everyone else, as it’s now the only country holding two separate ISA contracts for polymetallic sulphides exploration. Singh highlighted how this boosts India’s lead in deep-sea resource hunts and strengthens its foothold in the Indian Ocean.
“This new contract pushes forward Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Deep Ocean Mission,” Singh explained. The mission zeros in on seabed mineral exploration, developing mining tech, and growing India’s Blue Economy. “Securing these rights in the Carlsberg Ridge solidifies our top spot in deep-sea research. It ramps up our maritime strength and preps us for tapping into future resources.”
So, what are polymetallic sulphides? These are rich deposits packed with metals like iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold, and platinum. They form when hot fluids from the ocean floor’s crust create mineral-rich precipitates. Their huge strategic and commercial value has eyes from around the globe turning to places like the Indian Ocean for deep-sea mining opportunities.
Singh pointed out India’s long track record with the ISA. Back in the day, India snagged the first-ever area for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters and earned “pioneer investor” status. Now, with contracts covering the Central Indian Ridge, Southwest Indian Ridge, and the new Carlsberg Ridge spot, India controls the largest polymetallic sulphides exploration zone in the international seabed.
“Our 30-year tie-up with the ISA fills us with pride,” Singh said. “As the ISA marks its 30th anniversary, India pledges to keep teaming up for the common good of humanity’s shared ocean heritage.”
Adding to the buzz, India is hosting the 8th ISA annual contractors meeting in Goa from September 18 to 20. Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, called it a proud milestone. “We’re the first ISA member state and contractor with two polymetallic sulphides deals, and we now lead globally in allocated seabed area for this exploration,” he noted. Ravichandran stressed India’s eagerness to deepen ISA ties, uncover more about hidden seabed ecosystems, protect marine life, and unlock mineral resources for everyone’s benefit.
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