The exploration and extraction of seabed resources has become an increasingly important topic in the world today. With the increasing demand for resources, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the impact that exploration and extraction of these resources can have on our environment and ecology.
The Mission involves assessing the impact of exploration-extraction of seabed resources on the underwater environment and ecology, with a focus on changes in biodiversity, water quality, marine habitats, ocean acidification, plastic pollution and other associated impacts. This assessment will help us understand how our activities are impacting our oceans and how we can better manage these activities to ensure that we are not damaging our environment or putting species at risk.
The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) in Goa is playing an important role in exploring and understanding the potential of India’s underwater resources. This institution is part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), and is dedicated to research, development, and training related to the ocean. NIO’s research focuses on better understanding the marine environment and its species. It also works on developing new technologies for sustainable management of oceanic resources. In addition to this, NIO also focuses on developing strategies for efficient utilization and conservation of these resources. Through its research activities, NIO aims to create a better understanding about India’s underwater resources so that they can be utilized effectively for the benefit of all stakeholders.
The Samudrayaan mission is a mega project that was announced by the Prime Minister of India on the 75th Independence Day. The mission aims to explore and study the deep sea and ocean resources of India in order to further develop them for economic gains. This ambitious project will involve multiple agencies such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Defence, and other government bodies. It will also involve international collaborations with other countries in order to share knowledge and resources. This mission is expected to be completed by 2030 and could be a game-changer for India’s economy as well as its scientific advancement.
The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an agency mandated under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to explore and manage resources in international waters. It is estimated that over two-thirds of the world’s surface area lies beneath the oceans, making it one of the most unexplored regions on Earth. With a vast array of unique habitats and species, this mysterious region holds many secrets about our planet’s history and evolution. Scientists are now using new technologies to investigate what lies beneath the oceans and uncover its hidden mysteries.
Polymetallic nodules are an important resource for the world. In particular, the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the Pacific Ocean is known for its vast resources of polymetallic nodules. These nodules contain a variety of metals, including copper, nickel, cobalt and manganese. They can be used to produce a range of products, from batteries to catalysts.
In addition to the CCZ in the Pacific Ocean, polymetallic nodules have also been found in abundance in other parts of the world, including the Indian Ocean. As such, they represent a potential source of valuable materials that could be used for various industrial applications. With careful management and exploration of these resources, it may be possible to ensure that these materials are available for future generations to use.
The exploration and extraction of seabed resources has become an increasingly important topic in the world today. With the increasing demand for resources, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the impact that exploration and extraction of these resources can have on our environment and ecology.
The Mission involves assessing the impact of exploration-extraction of seabed resources on the underwater environment and ecology, with a focus on changes in biodiversity, water quality, marine habitats, ocean acidification, plastic pollution and other associated impacts. This assessment will help us understand how our activities are impacting our oceans and how we can better manage these activities to ensure that we are not damaging our environment or putting species at risk.
India was given 75,000 square kilometres in the Central Indian Ocean Basin as a Pioneer Investor. There are roughly 380 million tonnes of polymetallic nodules in this region (Copper, Cobalt, Nickel, Manganese, Rare earths, etc.). The Integrated Mining System of the NIOT is ready to mine to a depth of 5000–5500 metres.
The development of seabed resources fits in with India’s ambition to build a blue economy, which is currently estimated to account for approximately 4% of India’s GDP. By 2047, the national Blue Economy policy wants to see its percentage of GDP reach double digits.
The Blue Economy is worth more than US$24 trillion on a global scale. It is hardly unexpected that States have prioritised the blue economy highly on their separate national agendas and, in some cases, created specific ministries or departments to promote the discovery of the oceans’ and seas’ resources.
The moment is right for the Indian industry, particularly those involved in the low carbon energy sector (electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and wiring), to invest in or promote the growth of the seabed sector. This is essential because the best alternative is to use resources from the seabed because terrestrial metals are quickly running out. However, it is important to stress that the growth of seabed resources must be sustainable.
