- Dual ISA Contracts: India becomes first nation with two PMS exploration rights.
- Carlsberg Ridge Deal: 15-year exclusive contract for 10,000 sq km in Indian Ocean.
- Blue Economy Push: Supports PM Modi’s Deep Ocean Mission for seabed minerals.
- Global Leader: India now holds the largest PMS exploration area worldwide.
- Goa Meet: To host 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in September.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st Sept: India has achieved a historic breakthrough in deep-sea exploration, becoming the first nation to hold two exploration contracts with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS).
Announcing the milestone in New Delhi, Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said a new 15-year contract between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the ISA grants exclusive rights to explore PMS in a 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean.
“This step strengthens India’s leadership in deep-sea research and enhances our maritime presence. It is a major stride towards the vision of the Deep Ocean Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which focuses on seabed mineral exploration, mining technology development and Blue Economy initiatives,” Dr. Singh said.
Polymetallic Sulphides—rich in iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold and platinum—are formed by hot hydrothermal fluids from the oceanic crust and are viewed as vital to future mineral and strategic resource needs.
India was the first country ever to receive an area for polymetallic nodule exploration and recognised as a “Pioneer Investor.” With this second PMS contract, covering both the Central & Southwest Indian Ridge and the Carlsberg Ridge, India now holds the largest global exploration area allocated for PMS.
Highlighting the nation’s three-decade partnership with ISA, Dr. Singh said India will also host the 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa from 18–20 September, reinforcing its role in shaping global seabed governance.
Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, called the agreement “a proud moment,” noting that India is now the first member state and government contractor of the ISA to secure two PMS exploration contracts. He stressed the importance of protecting marine ecosystems while advancing mineral resource utilisation for the benefit of humankind.
This landmark contract cements India’s place at the forefront of deep-ocean exploration and underscores its commitment to the sustainable development of the Blue Economy.
Comments are closed.