India secures International Seabed Authority licence for polymetallic sulphur exploration in Indian Ocean
India has bagged an exploration contract from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to search for polymetallic sulphur nodules in the Carlsberg Ridge of the northwest Indian Ocean. This is the first such global licence granted for this specific region. These nodules are rich in critical minerals like manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper, essential for green energy technologies. While India has secured rights for the Carlsberg Ridge, its application for the Afanasy-Nikitin Sea (ANS) mount is pending due to overlapping claims by Sri Lanka regarding continental shelf boundaries under UNCLOS.
Key Points
- The ISA granted India rights to explore polymetallic sulphur nodules in the 3,00,000-sq.km Carlsberg Ridge area.
- Polymetallic nodules contain valuable metals including copper, nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
- India's claim to the Afanasy-Nikitin Sea (ANS) is complicated by Sri Lanka's claim to an extended continental shelf.
- Under UNCLOS, countries can claim up to 350 nautical miles as their continental shelf, with special provisions for the Bay of Bengal.
Exam Facts
- International Seabed Authority (ISA) - based in Jamaica.
- Carlsberg Ridge (Northwest Indian Ocean).
- United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).
- Afanasy-Nikitin Sea (ANS) mount.
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