India’s Second Mineral Exploration Contract
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: IE
Context: India has secured a second exploration contract from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in the Carlsberg Ridge, Indian Ocean.
• This makes India the first country with two PMS contracts, commanding the largest allocated area for PMS exploration globally.
About India’s Second Mineral Exploration Contract:
What it is?
• Signed with ISA under UNCLOS framework for a 10,000 sq. km area in Carlsberg Ridge.
• Exploration will be carried out by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) from 2026.
• To secure strategic minerals critical for India’s energy transition, high-tech manufacturing, and resource security.
• To strengthen India’s role in the Blue Economy and Deep Ocean Mission.
Features:
• Builds on India’s first PMS contract (2016) in Central & Southwest Indian Ridge.
• Exploration plan: Reconnaissance surveys (ship-mounted tools). Near-seabed surveys (AUVs, ROVs). Resource evaluation of deposits.
• Reconnaissance surveys (ship-mounted tools).
• Near-seabed surveys (AUVs, ROVs).
• Resource evaluation of deposits.
• Supported by India’s Samudrayaan mission and deep-sea technology development.
About Carlsberg Ridge:
What it is?
• A major mid-ocean ridge system in the Indian Ocean formed by seafloor spreading.
Located in:
• Extends from the triple junction of African, Indian & Australian plates (near 2°N, 66°E) towards the Gulf of Aden.
• Separates Arabian Sea (NE) from Somali Basin (SW).
Features:
• Formed ~40 million years ago, with a spreading rate of 2.4–3.3 cm/year.
• Depth: 1,800–3,600 m below sea surface.
• Has median valley, rugged topography, typical of slow-spreading ridges.
• Known for hydrothermal vent systems, rich in PMS deposits.
• Closer to India (~2°N) than earlier exploration sites (~26°S).
• Lies in a seismically active zone, linked to the East African Rift System.
About Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS):
What it is?
• Mineral deposits formed on ocean floors near hydrothermal vents.
• Created when cold seawater interacts with magma, ejects hot mineral-rich fluids, depositing solids on seabed.
Found in: Along mid-ocean ridges and hydrothermal vent fields at depths of 2,000–5,000 m.
Composition: Rich in copper, zinc, lead, silver, gold, and trace amounts of rare/precious metals.
Applications:
• Electronics & high-tech industries (copper, rare metals).
• Green energy systems (zinc, silver for solar & batteries).
• Strategic use in aerospace, defence, and clean-tech manufacturing.