India achieved a global milestone by securing exclusive exploration rights for Polymetallic Sulphides across 10,000 square kilometers of the Carlsberg Ridge. The Ministry of Earth Sciences signed a 15-year agreement with the International Seabed Authority on Saturday. Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed this marks the first time any nation holds two such contracts simultaneously. The achievement supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Deep Ocean Mission and strengthens India's Blue Economy initiatives. This development places India at the forefront of deep-sea mineral exploration.
The Carlsberg Ridge contains valuable metals such as copper, zinc, gold, and platinum within its polymetallic sulphide deposits. India previously held pioneer investor status and secured the first area allocation for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters. The nation maintains the largest global exploration area for these resources. Dr. M. Ravichandran emphasized India's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge while protecting marine ecosystems. The country will host the 8th ISA annual contractors meeting in Goa from September 18-20.
The Carlsberg Ridge contains valuable metals such as copper, zinc, gold, and platinum within its polymetallic sulphide deposits. India previously held pioneer investor status and secured the first area allocation for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters. The nation maintains the largest global exploration area for these resources. Dr. M. Ravichandran emphasized India's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge while protecting marine ecosystems. The country will host the 8th ISA annual contractors meeting in Goa from September 18-20.
