India secures rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in Indian Ocean

India has become the first country to have secured exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday announced the signing of a new 15-year contract between the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in the allotted 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean.

Polymetallic Sulphides contain valuable metals such as iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold, and platinum. Their strategic and commercial potential has attracted global attention, placing India at the forefront of deep-sea resource exploration.

Singh said that the new contract is a significant step towards realising the vision of Deep Ocean Mission which focuses on seabed mineral exploration and mining technology development.

“By formalising exclusive rights for polymetallic sulphide exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge, India has further consolidated its leadership in deep-sea research and exploration. This will enhance our maritime presence and build national capacity for future resource utilisation,” he added.

Singh said that India was the first country to receive an area for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters and was designated as a “Pioneer Investor.” With two polymetallic sulphide contracts now in place—one in the Central Indian Ridge & Southwest Indian Ridge and another in the Carlsberg Ridge—India also holds the largest exploration area allocated for PMS in the international seabed.

Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, noted it is also a matter of pride that India now has the largest area allocated globally in the International Seabed for polymetallic sulphide exploration.