Context:

• India has signed a 15-year exploration contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for the exploration of Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in the Carlsberg Ridge, Northwestern Indian Ocean.

Key Points:

• Key Points:
• The contract grants India exclusive exploration rights over an area of 10,000 sq. km.
• This is the first-ever global license for PMS exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge, positioning India as a pioneer in this region.
• Date of Signing: 15 September 2025, New Delhi – between ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho and Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Duration: 15 years
• Area: 10,000 sq. km in the Carlsberg Ridge, Northwestern Indian Ocean
• Significance: The first global license, making India the country with the largest allocated exploration area, in line with UNCLOS and the 1994 Implementation Agreement.
• Application Process: India submitted two applications in January 2024 – one for PMS (Carlsberg Ridge) and another for cobalt-rich crusts (Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount).

Importance for India

Economic Significance:

• Mineral Security: Ensures domestic supply of critical metals (Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Au, Ag, etc.) required for EVs, renewable energy, and hi-tech industries.
• Technological Development: Boosts India’s deep-sea mining technologies (AUVs, mining machines).
• Policy Support: Strengthens the goals of ‘Deep Ocean Mission’ (2021) focused on deep-sea mining.

Strategic Significance:

• Global Competition: Enhances India’s position against China, Russia, and other nations in the deep-sea race.
• Regional Strategy: Strengthens India’s SAGAR policy (Security and Growth for All in the Region) through presence in the Indian Ocean.

Environmental and Global Impact:

• Challenges: Deep-sea mining poses threats to marine ecosystems – biodiversity loss and disruption of hydrothermal vent organisms.
• Regulation: ISA is still drafting the Mining Code; exploration will comply with environmental standards.
• Global Perspective: Among ISA’s 30 contracts, many are with developing countries and small island nations. India’s move supports sustainable development and resource security.

India’s Previous Contracts

• 2002 Contract: For Polymetallic Nodules (PMN) in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB), covering 75,000 sq. km. Signed on 25 March 2002, extended in 2017 & 2022, valid until 24 March 2027.
• 2016 Contract: For PMS in the Central Indian Ridge (CIR) and Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR), covering 10,000 sq. km, also 15 years.
• ➡️ With this new license, India now holds three contracts with ISA, becoming the first country with two PMS contracts.

Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS)

• Found near hydrothermal vents (volcanic sources) located along mid-ocean ridges.
• Form chimney-like structures called “black smokers.”
• Rich in Cu, Zn, Au, Ag, Co, Ni, Mn and rare earth elements.
• Critical for EVs, solar panels, batteries, and high-tech industries.
• Carlsberg Ridge: A mid-ocean ridge in the Indian Ocean with high-temperature hydrothermal vents.
• Since the discovery of black smokers in 1978–79, more than 350 sites have been identified.
• PMS are 3D deposits, requiring different mining techniques than nodules.

International Seabed Authority (ISA)

• Established: 16 November 1994 (under UNCLOS 1982 and 1994 Agreement).
• Headquarters: Kingston, Jamaica
• Membership: 169 (168 countries + EU), USA not a member

Mandate:

• Regulates exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in the high seas.
• Ensures protection of the marine environment.

High Seas:

• Cover 54% of the world’s oceans.
• Areas beyond national jurisdiction (EEZ, territorial seas, archipelagic waters excluded).
• ISA authorization mandatory for exploration.
• 19 countries currently hold exploration rights.