Ministry of Earth Sciences and NIOT Host Industry Outreach Workshop on Deep Sea Mining to Secure India's Critical Mineral Future
The Ministry of Earth Sciences and NIOT hosted an industry outreach workshop in New Delhi on deep-sea mining to discuss business opportunities and strategic importance. The event focused on securing critical mineral supplies, leveraging India's reserves in the Central Indian Ocean Basin and Carlsberg Ridge, and advancing indigenous technology under the Deep Ocean Mission. Discussions also covered industrial integration across sectors like offshore engineering, marine robotics, and metallurgy, alongside the future Exploitation Code of the International Seabed Authority.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for competitive exams as it pertains to India's Ministry of Earth Sciences initiatives, the Deep Ocean Mission, critical minerals, and the Blue Economy.
In Simple Words
The Ministry of Earth Sciences and NIOT held a high-level workshop in New Delhi focusing on deep-sea mining. The event brought together policymakers, researchers, and financial leaders to discuss India's Blue Economy and secure critical minerals needed for clean energy and electric mobility.
India holds significant reserves through an International Seabed Authority contract in the Central Indian Ocean Basin and Carlsberg Ridge. Under the Deep Ocean Mission, NIOT has tested deep-sea mining crawlers at depths over 5,000 meters, aiming to build a commercial mine-to-metal ecosystem with private sector participation.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Earth Sciences and NIOT hosted an Industry Outreach Workshop on Deep Sea Mining in New Delhi.
- Knowledge partners for the event were EY and NITI Aayog.
- Critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese are vital for clean energy and electric mobility.
- India holds an ISA exploration contract over 75,000 sq. km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin containing 366 to 380 million tonnes of polymetallic nodules.
- India holds two exploration contracts for polymetallic sulphides, including the Carlsberg Ridge agreement.
- The national Deep Ocean Mission has a budget of ₹4,077 crore.
- NIOT demonstrated indigenous deep-sea mining crawler systems at depths exceeding 5,000 meters.
- Commercial mining in international waters requires the Exploitation Code from the International Seabed Authority.
Exam Angle
A. 366 to 380 million tonnes
Source: Press Information Bureau