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:
- 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.