India’s Second Mineral Exploration Contract

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.

Aim:

• 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:
  1. Reconnaissance surveys (ship-mounted tools).
  2. Near-seabed surveys (AUVs, ROVs).
  3. 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.