Deep ocean mining and strategic resource access

India has obtained a second contract from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exploration of Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in the Carlsberg Ridge region of the Indian Ocean. The contract covers approximately 10,000 square kilometres

Strategic Importance & Rationale

Polymetallic sulphides are rich in critical minerals (e.g. copper, zinc, gold, silver, precious metals) essential for clean energy, electronics and green tech.

By securing another contract, India becomes the first country to hold two PMS exploration contracts — strengthening its presence in deep sea resource domain.

It aligns with India’s Blue Economy aspirations and the Deep Ocean Mission.

Technical, Legal & Environmental Considerations

The operations must adhere to UNCLOS norms and ISA’s regulatory regime, including environmental safeguards and equitable benefit sharing.

Deep sea mining has ecological risks — disturbance of seabed, biodiversity loss, plume effects. Regulatory governance, environmental impact assessments and scientific oversight will be critical.

India must navigate between resource access and responsibility to protect marine ecosystems, while addressing criticism from ecological and civil society quarters.

Implications & Challenges

This strengthens India’s strategic resource security — particularly in critical minerals for energy transition.

Managing technology, cost, logistics and partnerships (public-private, foreign collaborations) will pose challenges.

Further, India must ensure capacity building in marine science, underwater robotics, environmental monitoring, and regulatory institutions.