[Answered] India commands the largest area for Polymetallic Sulphides exploration. Evaluate the strategic and economic significance of deep-sea mineral exploration for India’s resource security and technological self-reliance.

Introduction

India, with two ISA contracts covering 20,000 sq. km, now commands the largest PMS exploration area globally. This milestone underlines India’s ambition for critical mineral security, Blue Economy growth, and strategic self-reliance.

What are Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS)?

1. PMS are hydrothermal deposits rich in copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver and trace amounts of rare and critical elements.
2. Found along mid-ocean ridges near hydrothermal vents at 2,000–5,000m depth.

Economic Significance for India

1. Resource Security: India is import-dependent for critical minerals (copper, cobalt, nickel, REEs) essential for EV batteries, semiconductors, green hydrogen, and renewable technologies.
2. Renewable Energy Transition: As per IEA’s Critical Minerals Report 2023, demand for copper and rare earths may rise 3–7 times by 2040. Deep-sea PMS can supplement this surge.
3. Reducing Import Bill: India spends billions on importing critical minerals. Domestic sourcing reduces vulnerability to supply shocks.
4. Boosting Blue Economy: Under India’s Blue Economy Policy (2021), deep-sea mining is a pillar for sustainable growth.
5. Industrial Ecosystem Development: Exploration spurs demand for indigenous AUVs, ROVs, seabed crawlers, and subsea robotics, fostering technological self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Strategic Significance

1. Geostrategic Leverage: Control over largest PMS blocks enhances India’s influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), aligning with SAGAR doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
2. Maritime Power Projection: Enhances India’s standing in UNCLOS frameworks and ISA governance, countering China’s aggressive deep-sea exploration.
3. Proximity Advantage: Carlsberg Ridge (2°N latitude) lies closer to Indian shores compared to earlier ridges (26°S), enabling faster deployment and operational efficiency.
4. Strategic Minerals for Defence: PMS elements are crucial for aerospace alloys, naval equipment, advanced electronics, and missile systems—directly contributing to defence self-reliance.

Technological and Research Spin-offs

1. Samudrayaan Mission (2021–26): Matsya-6000 submersible for 6,000m depth—indigenous development of high-pressure hulls, robotics, and deep-sea sensors.
2. Deep Ocean Mission investments—₹4,077 crore budget—build indigenous R&D ecosystems.
3. Collaboration with NCPOR, NIOT, and private industry accelerates multidisciplinary capacity in marine geology, biotechnology, and materials science.

Challenges to Consider

1. Environmental Concerns: PMS extraction risks damage to fragile hydrothermal vent ecosystems—critics highlight potential biodiversity loss (CBD 2022 Report).
2. Technological Barriers: Deep-sea mining requires precision navigation, dynamic positioning, and advanced metallurgy, where India still trails behind China, Japan, and Korea.
3. Economic Viability: High capital and uncertain returns—commercial feasibility is untested.
4. Global Regulations: ISA is yet to finalize a comprehensive mining code—uncertainty persists over rules, royalties, and benefit-sharing.

Way Forward

1. Sustainable Mining Protocols: Align PMS exploration with UNCLOS environmental guidelines.
2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Mobilize indigenous industries in subsea robotics and metallurgy.
3. Strategic Alliances: Collaborate with Japan, France, and Norway on green technologies and best practices.
4. Integration with National Missions: Link exploration with National Critical Minerals Mission (2023) and India’s Net-Zero 2070 commitments.

Conclusion

As Amartya Sen observed, development lies in expanding capabilities. Deep-sea PMS exploration, if guided by sustainable policy, can expand India’s technological, economic, and strategic capacities, ensuring resilient resource security and self-reliance.